American Analyst: ‘Operation Herof’ Serves as a Wake-Up Call for U.S. Investors

A U.S. analyst recently highlighted that the coordinated attacks carried out by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) under what is known as “Operation Herof” could prompt Washington to reassess its potential investments in Balochistan’s mineral sector. Michael Kugelman, the director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, emphasized that the scale and coordination of these attacks revealed significant security concerns for foreign companies looking to explore critical mineral opportunities in Pakistan. Such incidents underscore the risks that international investors might face when operating in the region.

Kugelman pointed out that the attacks serve as a stark warning to policymakers, including those in the White House, about the dangers associated with investing in Pakistan’s mineral-rich areas. Many of the sites targeted are located in Balochistan, which is known to host a wealth of mineral resources. He noted that one of the core grievances of the BLA is the perceived external exploitation of local resources, with the group opposing foreign involvement and asserting that local populations are often excluded from decision-making processes.

Analysts have observed that some of Pakistan’s most significant deposits of copper, antimony, and rare earth elements are situated in districts that have experienced frequent attacks by armed groups in recent years. These regions have become focal points of conflict, as the BLA and other groups oppose foreign investment initiatives, claiming that such projects are exploitative and imposed without adequate consultation with local communities. The ongoing violence complicates efforts to develop these vital mineral resources.

Some regional analysts interpret the latest attacks as a message not only directed at Pakistan but also aimed at foreign companies, especially those from the United States and China, which have expressed interest in Balochistan’s natural resources. They warn that without broader political consent from the Baloch population, large-scale resource development projects are likely to remain vulnerable to attacks and instability. The security situation thus remains a significant barrier to foreign investment and sustainable development in the region.

Last October, reports from the Financial Times indicated that figures close to Pakistan’s army chief had discussed a proposal with U.S. investors to build a port near Pasni, valued at approximately $1.2 billion, to facilitate access to inland mineral deposits. However, Islamabad officially rejected the report, reflecting the sensitive and complex nature of foreign involvement in Balochistan’s strategic infrastructure and resources. The proposal’s rejection underscored the cautious approach Pakistan has taken toward foreign investment in the region.

China has played a major role in Balochistan’s development through its investment in the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has seen over $60 billion invested since 2015. Gwadar Port, a key node in this initiative, has become a central focus of Chinese economic interests. However, Chinese workers and infrastructure involved in CPEC have repeatedly been targeted by Baloch armed groups, illustrating the ongoing security challenges. These attacks highlight the fragile security environment that continues to threaten both local and foreign stakeholders involved in Balochistan’s development.