BLA confirms death of Lieutenant Colonel Arsalan Haleem; BRAS and BRG announce separate attacks

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for an armed attack near Turbat on Sunday, which resulted in the deaths of Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Arsalan Haleem and three other individuals. The attack took place in the vicinity of Kalatuk, approximately 25 kilometers west of Turbat city, on Saturday. Armed men ambushed one of three vehicles traveling through the area, leading to a deadly confrontation. The incident has heightened tensions in the region, with security officials and local residents closely monitoring the ongoing violence.

Those killed in the attack included Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Arsalan Haleem, a resident of Karachi, along with Naoman Kazmi from Rawalpindi, Mohammad Asif, and Kaleemullah. Kaleemullah, who was injured during the ambush, succumbed to his wounds later, raising the death toll from the attack. Sources indicated that the personnel targeted were linked to the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), a government infrastructure agency, and were being provided security by what local sources described as a “death squad,” allegedly a state-backed armed group operating in the area.

The attack was reportedly carried out based on “confidential and verified intelligence” provided by ZIRAB, the BLA’s intelligence wing, according to a statement issued by the group on Sunday. The BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch confirmed that their fighters had killed Lieutenant Colonel Haleem, whom they identified as a senior officer of the Pakistani military’s Military Intelligence. The statement emphasized that further details about the operation would be disclosed to the media at a later time.

In addition to the BLA’s claim, other separatist groups also announced attacks against Pakistani forces in different regions. The Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS) claimed responsibility for an attack in the BalBal area of Zehri in Khuzdar district, where they stated that eight military personnel were killed. A BRAS spokesperson, Baloch Khan, described how fighters ambushed a convoy of several military vehicles around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, 2 June, as it was advancing into the area.

According to BRAS, the convoy was attacked from multiple directions, which resulted in the deaths of eight personnel and the destruction of one vehicle. The group claimed that the military forces were forced to retreat following the attack. The statement also noted that Pakistani forces attempted to re-enter the area in the afternoon using tanks, armored vehicles, and other military equipment, prompting another attack by BRAS fighters.

During the second assault, BRAS fighters launched a counterattack against the advancing military convoy, which led to the severe damage of one armored vehicle. The group claimed that their fighters inflicted further casualties on the Pakistani forces during this second engagement. These attacks reflect the ongoing insurgency and the persistent threat faced by Pakistani security forces in the region.

Separately, the Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) claimed responsibility for an attack on what they described as the main Pakistani military camp in the Sanni area of Kachhi. BRG spokesperson Dostain Baloch stated that the assault took place during the night of 2 June, when the group’s fighters surrounded the camp from all sides. The attack involved the use of rocket launchers, light machine guns (LMGs), and other heavy weapons.

The group reported that several personnel were either killed or injured during the attack on the camp. The statement issued by BRG emphasized their commitment to the cause of Baloch independence and declared that such operations would continue until Balochistan’s independence is achieved. These coordinated attacks highlight the intensifying insurgency and the resilience of separatist groups fighting against Pakistani authorities.

Overall, the series of attacks by different separatist outfits underscore the ongoing instability in Balochistan. The violence has been a persistent challenge for Pakistan’s security apparatus, with various groups claiming responsibility for assaults on military and security targets. The situation remains tense, with regional and national implications for stability and peace in the area.

The Pakistani government and military have condemned these attacks, vowing to continue their efforts to restore peace and stability in Balochistan. However, the insurgency’s persistence indicates deep-rooted grievances and complex political issues that continue to fuel the violence. As separatist groups maintain their campaign, the region remains on edge, with ongoing security operations and intelligence efforts aimed at countering these threats.