In an overnight assault in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan, at least six fighters and four security officials were killed. The attackers, believed to be from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), targeted military and security installations with guns and rockets in the city of Mach, located 65km south of the provincial capital, Quetta.
Facing resistance, the attackers shifted to “less secure” areas, focusing their assault on the Mach police station. An official reported that a clearing operation is underway, hoping to conclude by the end of the day. The difficult terrain in the suburbs of the city poses a challenge for the security forces.
The BLA, a banned armed group involved in a broader rebellion in Balochistan, claimed responsibility for the attack. Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least populated province, has been a hotspot for rebellion, accusing the government of neglect and unfair resource distribution.
The attack caused minor damage to the police station and the adjoining prison, where 800 inmates, including 90 on death row, were reported safe. Shuja Kasi, the inspector general for prisons in Balochistan, confirmed the damage and assured the safety of the prisoners.
Mach residents described a large explosion on Monday night, followed by nearly 12 hours of gunfire. The decades-old rebel movement in Balochistan has witnessed attacks on security forces and Chinese citizens involved in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), triggering a forceful response from the Pakistani state.
Balochistan has been under global scrutiny following an Iranian airstrike and a month-long sit-in by Baloch people in Islamabad. Last month, Iranian forces struck inside Pakistani territory, leading to tensions between the two countries. The Baloch protest in Islamabad emerged after the killing of a young man, accused by state officials of being a rebel.
With Pakistan gearing up for general elections on February 8, security analysts warn of challenges, as Baloch separatists have already denounced the polls. The timing of the recent BLA attack suggests a complex geopolitical scenario, indicating that border actions may influence the course of the conflict in the region, according to security analyst Iftikhar Firdous.
As the situation unfolds, authorities are actively engaged in addressing the aftermath of the attack and ensuring the safety of the affected areas in Balochistan.
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