BLA announces over 15 Pakistani soldiers killed in Zehri engagements

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) announced on Saturday that its fighters killed more than 15 Pakistani soldiers during ongoing clashes in the Zehri area of Khuzdar district. The conflict has persisted since August, with the region reportedly under the control of “pro-independence” armed groups for over a month. The BLA claimed responsibility for an ambush targeting a convoy of ten military vehicles, which took place in the Anjeera area on Friday.

According to BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, the ambush directly hit four vehicles and destroyed two of them. He stated that the attack resulted in the elimination of “over fifteen enemy personnel,” highlighting the group’s significant operational success. The statement emphasized the intensity of the firefight and the effectiveness of their tactics against the Pakistani military forces.

Fighting in the region continued into a second day on Saturday, with reports indicating clashes in Gazzan, Anjeera, and surrounding areas. The BLA asserted that despite repeated Pakistani military advances, their fighters managed to repel these efforts. The group claimed to have inflicted heavy losses on the Pakistani forces, asserting that their resistance remained strong in the face of ongoing attempts to regain control.

The BLA’s statement also marked a period of sustained conflict, noting that for the past 47 days, repeated enemy assaults have been repelled, forcing Pakistani forces to retreat multiple times. The group promised to release a more detailed account of their operations soon, suggesting that their military activities in the region are ongoing and coordinated.

These clashes come seven weeks after the Baloch Raaji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS), an alliance of armed groups, declared control of Zehri. On August 11, BRAS claimed to have ambushed a convoy of 13 military vehicles, killing 37 soldiers and seizing military vehicles, weapons, and equipment. That attack marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, signaling the group’s ability to challenge Pakistani military dominance in the area.

Local sources reported that Pakistani troops suffered heavy losses during these engagements. Some soldiers reportedly sought refuge in civilian homes, using women and children as human shields. However, as fighting intensified around the town, many of these soldiers were eventually killed or injured, adding to the chaos and destruction in the region.

Since the declaration of control by armed groups, Pakistani forces have launched multiple attempts to retake Zehri. These efforts have been met with repeated ambushes and setbacks, forcing the military to withdraw on several occasions. The persistent resistance by local armed groups has complicated Pakistan’s efforts to re-establish control over the area.

In response to the ongoing clashes, the Pakistani military has conducted several airstrikes around Zehri, especially after ground operations faced setbacks. Earlier this month, a drone strike near Tarasani reportedly killed three individuals, including two women, and injured five others, according to local sources. The military claimed these strikes targeted hideouts of armed groups based on intelligence.

However, residents and human rights organizations expressed concern over civilian casualties resulting from these airstrikes. They reported that civilians returning from condolence gatherings were among the casualties, raising fears that Pakistan’s military tactics could deepen local anger and resentment. Analysts warn that such measures risk fueling further support for armed groups and escalating the ongoing conflict in the region.