Balochistan witnessed a fresh escalation of violence as both the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) claimed responsibility for a series of coordinated operations across Lasbela, Jiwani, Mashkel and Kachhi.

The reported incidents included a deadly attack on a Pakistani military convoy, the killing of four individuals allegedly linked to Military Intelligence, the destruction of equipment at a lithium exploration site, and road blockades in Kachhi district.

The BLA stated that its Fateh Squad targeted a convoy belonging to the Pakistani military’s 15 FF Bomb Disposal Party in the Kashari area of Wallapat, Lasbela. The attack began with an improvised explosive device blast against a military vehicle, followed by direct firing.

The group claimed that two vehicles were completely destroyed and two others severely damaged. According to the BLA, nine military personnel were killed and more than eleven wounded, including members of the Light Engineering Battalion and 15 FF.

Pakistani officials confirmed the incident but reported lower casualties, stating that four security personnel, including a Naib Subedar and two Levies personnel, were killed, while seven others, including a civilian, were injured. Authorities withheld further details.

The BLA further claimed responsibility for what it described as an intelligence-based operation in Jiwani. During this action, four individuals allegedly associated with the Pakistani military and Military Intelligence were killed.

The group also announced that its fighters seized control of a lithium exploration site in Mashkel. During the raid, four drilling machines and five vehicles were set ablaze. Employees of the company were reportedly detained but later released after being warned.

The BLA reiterated its opposition to lithium exploration and mining projects in Balochistan, warning both local and international companies against involvement. It declared that lithium extraction and exploration would be treated as legitimate targets under its strategy of “economic blockade”.

Meanwhile, the BRG confirmed that its fighters carried out road blockades and snap-checking operations at several points in Kachhi district. Vehicles were stopped and checked, while patrols were conducted in the area.

The BRG stated that no state personnel were encountered during the operations but claimed responsibility for the activities. Both organisations emphasised that such actions would continue until what they described as the liberation of Balochistan.

The targeting of lithium exploration sites highlights the growing intersection between insurgency and resource politics in the region. Lithium, considered a critical mineral for global energy transition, has drawn increasing interest from international companies.

The BLA’s explicit opposition to such projects signals a strategy to disrupt economic initiatives that it perceives as exploitative. This adds a new dimension to the insurgency, linking armed resistance with resource nationalism.

The Pakistani authorities have yet to release comprehensive details of the convoy attack or the lithium site incident. However, the claims by both groups underscore the persistence of insurgent activity across Balochistan, with operations ranging from direct military engagements to economic sabotage.

The emphasis on road blockades and snap-checking also reflects attempts to assert control over local mobility and logistics.

The BLA and BRG’s statements reaffirm their commitment to continuing armed operations until their stated objective of an independent Balochistan is achieved. The incidents further illustrate the complexity of the conflict, where military, economic and political dimensions are increasingly intertwined.

ANI