Balochistan: The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed that 15 Pakistani security personnel were killed and several others injured during intense fighting across three separate fronts in Kalat district on May 24. The outfit also said one of its fighters was killed while two others sustained injuries during the clashes.
In a statement released on Wednesday, BLA spokesperson Azad Baloch said the group carried out coordinated blockade and snap-checking operations in the Khazinai, Marjan and Garadi areas from 8 am to 3.30 pm.
According to the statement, Pakistani forces attempted to break the blockade by deploying military convoys, triggering heavy exchanges of fire. The BLA claimed its fighters intercepted an initial convoy of three vehicles before engaging a second reinforcement convoy of 17 vehicles allegedly backed by helicopters and drone surveillance.
The separatist outfit further alleged that Pakistani troops tried to take shelter in civilian settlements during the fighting, while BLA fighters continued operations across the region.
The group also claimed that its cadres maintained checkpoint operations in Mastung district’s Biddarang area for several hours without resistance from Pakistani forces.
Reiterating its separatist agenda, the BLA said its operations were aimed at targeting Pakistani military personnel and disrupting what it described as “exploitative projects” in Balochistan.
Independent verification of the casualty figures and claims made by the insurgent group was not immediately available. Pakistani authorities have not officially responded to the statement.
