Islamabad: Violence between Baloch insurgents and Pakistani security forces has escalated in Balochistan, with the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) releasing video footage it claims shows the first military operation by its newly formed all-female armed unit, the Karima Armed Assault Division (KAAD).
The BLF claims that nine Pakistani military personnel were killed when a military convoy was targeted in the Turbat area.
KAAD Fighters Target QRF Convoy on CPEC Highway
According to the footage released by the BLF, the attack took place on 22 September along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) highway in Turbat.
The group claims that KAAD fighters opened fire on a three-vehicle Quick Reaction Force (QRF) convoy from close range. The video reportedly shows a female commander briefing fighters before the operation.
BLF spokesperson Major Gwaharam Baloch claimed that several Pakistani Army vehicles were badly damaged in the attack.
The BLF further claimed that its Qurban Unit engaged Pakistani forces that were attempting to surround the female fighters, allowing them to withdraw safely. A Qurban Unit fighter, Chakar Murad, alias Dileep Jan, was reportedly killed during the operation.
The organisation also claimed that its members carried out snap checks of vehicles in the Mangchar and Kalat areas.
KAAD Named After Karima Baloch
The newly formed female combat unit has been named after Karima Baloch, a prominent Baloch activist and the first female chairperson of the Baloch Students Organisation-Azad (BSO-Azad).
Her body was found in Toronto, Canada, in 2020 under circumstances that were described as suspicious.
Other Attacks Reported Across Balochistan
Several other attacks have also been reported in different parts of Balochistan.
The Baloch Republican Army (BRA) reportedly attacked a site belonging to Mari Energies Limited in the Beh Loti area of Dera Bugti using rockets and heavy weapons.
BRA spokesperson Sarbaz Baloch claimed that three company employees were killed and several others injured. The group further claimed that nine Pakistani soldiers, three members of a state-backed armed group and six BRA fighters were killed in a subsequent clash.
Claims of Seizure of Government Facilities
In a separate incident, the Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) claimed that it had taken control of Haji Shahar and destroyed the local police station using explosives.
The BRA also claimed that its fighters entered Ari Shahar and took control of government facilities before withdrawing after completing the operation.
The claims made by the insurgent groups could not be independently verified.
