Balochistan witnessed multiple attacks during Pakistan’s National Day preparations

On Tuesday, multiple explosions rocked Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan, as Pakistan braced for its Independence Day celebrations. Reports indicate a blast occurred at a flag stall in Quetta, while a bomb explosion in the China Market area of Liaquat Bazaar injured seven people, one of whom later died in the hospital. In the Satellite Town area, at least two explosions were reported, but further details on these incidents remain unclear.

Separately, armed individuals targeted a Frontier Corps (FC) checkpoint at the Sariab Railway Crossing with a hand grenade, resulting in an exchange of gunfire, though casualty details have not been disclosed. Earlier, an explosion at Nawab Ghaus Bakhsh School in the Sariab area occurred during preparations for a ceremony linked to the August 14 National Day, but no injuries were reported.

In Kharan, Balochistan, armed attackers struck an FC post, leading to heavy gunfire and the sound of explosions. It is worth noting that on the previous day, an explosion was reported at Sariab Mill Girls College, where preparations for the Independence Day celebration were underway. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for this attack.

Jeeyand Baloch, a BLA spokesperson, stated that their fighters conducted operations against the Pakistani military and its supply routes in Quetta, Khuzdar, Turbat, and Kalat, including visits to schools to disrupt Independence Day celebrations. He claimed that BLA members interacted with teachers and students in a school on Brewery Road, successfully persuading them to cancel the event amid claims of military occupation and the deteriorating situation in Balochistan.

According to Jeeyand Baloch, on Monday night, BLA fighters targeted an Independence Day celebration at Girls College in the Sariab Mill area of Quetta with a hand grenade, and on Sunday, they attacked two foot soldiers of the Pakistani military in Khuzdar with hand grenades while also striking a military checkpoint on Airport Road in Turbat with grenade launchers. During operations, BLA fighters targeted a trailer vehicle supplying the Saindak project, injuring a driver.

Jeeyand Baloch emphasized that their operations against the Pakistani military and its collaborators would continue until Balochistan achieves independence.

As a precaution against potential threats during the Independence Day celebrations, security was heightened in Quetta and several other cities. Tight security measures, including strict checkpoints and patrolling by the FC and law enforcement agencies, have been implemented throughout the city. In Kachhi, Balochistan, further security protocols have been instituted, including closing recreational spots and placing passenger transport operations on hold from 6 PM to 6 AM.

In Gwadar, Lasbela, and Kalat, military and police forces conducted joint patrols and flag marches. Meanwhile, another group, the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), also claimed responsibility for several attacks in the region. Major Gwahram Baloch, the BLF spokesperson, reported attacks on the Pakistani military in Awaran and Kech districts, resulting in both human and material casualties.

Details from the BLF spokesperson indicated that a sniper operation in Awaran resulted in the death of an enemy soldier, while a subsequent attack on an enemy bunker in Kech led to the deaths of two soldiers and injuries to another during a protracted engagement involving heavy weapons. The BLF reiterated its commitment to continue targeting enemy forces until Balochistan is liberated.