The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) carried out a suicide attack on a Pakistani army convoy in Turbat, Balochistan, on Saturday, leaving 47 security personnel dead and over 30 injured. The attack occurred in the Behman area, 8 km from Turbat city, at 5:45 PM local time.
BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch confirmed the convoy consisted of 13 vehicles, including military buses and trucks, traveling from Karachi to the Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters in Turbat. The convoy reportedly included personnel from multiple FC wings and retired army Captain Zohaib Mohsin, now serving as a police officer.
Execution of the Attack
The attacker, identified as “Fidayee Sangat Bahar Ali,” detonated explosives targeting the convoy. According to the BLA, one bus was completely destroyed, and another military vehicle was demolished. The group credited its intelligence wing, ZIRAB, for providing critical information about the convoy’s movements.
“The success of this mission reflects the excellent performance of our intelligence and the unparalleled sacrifice of the Fidayee Sangat,” the BLA stated.
Motivation Behind the Attack
The BLA claims the attack is part of its ongoing struggle for Balochistan’s liberation, citing alleged human rights abuses by Pakistani forces, including torture, forced disappearances, and violence against Baloch civilians.
The group warned transport owners against aiding Pakistani forces, threatening to target vehicles used for state operations or resource extraction. “Our land will always remain insecure for the occupying state, and we will not step down from our struggle until we achieve liberation,” the BLA said.
Casualties and Official Response
While the BLA claimed 47 fatalities, initial official reports from Pakistani authorities confirmed only 11 deaths. No updated statements have been released by authorities since the BLA’s announcement.
Escalation of Tensions in Balochistan
The BLA has vowed to make Balochistan’s highways unsafe for state forces, their agents, and investors, signaling a continued escalation in their armed resistance. The attack highlights the deteriorating security situation in the region and the ongoing conflict between separatist groups and the Pakistani state.
