BLA Claims Responsibility for Killing 19 Pakistani Soldiers in Balochistan Operation

The outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for a large-scale military operation in the Khuzdar region of Balochistan, alleging that its fighters killed 19 Pakistani soldiers during intense clashes. In a statement released on Monday, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch acknowledged that six insurgent fighters were also killed during the engagement, which took place on July 10.

According to reports citing the statement published by the Balochistan Post, the coordinated assault commenced around 6:00 AM on July 10 when BLA insurgents stormed the area, seizing control of a local police station and multiple government installations. The insurgents reportedly confiscated a significant stash of arms and ammunition before using explosives to destroy the captured police facility.

As Pakistani security forces mobilized to regain control, army units established security blockades along the main highway and key access routes entering the town. The BLA claimed its fighters initially ambushed a police convoy led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police near Sorgaz, forcing the security detail to retreat.

The standoff escalated significantly when additional Pakistani military reinforcements arrived supported by armored personnel carriers and gunship helicopters, triggering heavy gun battles that lasted over three hours. The separatist group claimed that over 15 security personnel were killed and dozens injured during this phase, with heavy weaponry destroying one armored vehicle and damaging a military helicopter.

Later that evening, BLA fighters launched a secondary ambush targeting another military convoy advancing along the highway. The direct strike on a transport vehicle resulted in four additional military fatalities, bringing the total claimed death toll among security forces to 19.

Confirming the loss of six of its own fighters during the prolonged assault, the BLA paid tribute to the fallen insurgents, stating that their sacrifices would further invigorate their armed struggle for an independent Balochistan. The Pakistani military and government authorities have not independently verified the high casualty figures claimed by the separatist group, as access to the conflict zones in Balochistan remains tightly restricted.