BLA's Operation Herof Sends Shockwaves Across Pakistan

BLA's Operation Herof: A Resurgent Threat

In 2022, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) shocked the world with a suicide bombing at Karachi University, killing three Chinese teachers. This marked a significant escalation in the BLA’s militant strategy, signalling a shift towards more intense and calculated attacks. Since then, the BLA has relentlessly targeted Pakistan's security apparatus with a hardened and methodical approach. The recent attack on August 26, 2024, where BLA militants brutally executed at least 23 Punjabi travellers in the Rarasham area of Musakhel District, Balochistan, after verifying their identities, further highlights this resurgence of insurgency. This incident may only be the beginning of a renewed wave of Baloch insurgent violence.

In a bold resurgence attempt, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) launched a sophisticated and coordinated campaign dubbed Operation Herof, meaning "Dark Storm." The BLA claims to have killed 130 military personnel in a series of coordinated attacks across Balochistan. According to Jeeyand Baloch, the group’s spokesperson, the elite Fidayeen unit, known as the Majeed Brigade, managed to hold control of the Bela camp for 20 hours, during which 68 military personnel were reportedly killed, with many others injured. Additionally, the BLA's Fateh Squad and Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOS) established blockades on major highways across the province, leading to the deaths of 62 more military personnel. "After achieving the objectives of Operation Herof, the roadblocks on all highways were lifted," the group declared in a statement.

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A comparative analysis shows that terrorism-related fatalities in Balochistan are the highest in 2024 since 2015.

The intensity of this operation, particularly on the ground, indicates a significant strategic revival of the BLA, one that could have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan's security in the coming months or even years. A comparative analysis of terrorism-related fatalities in Balochistan over the first eight months of each year reveals that 2024 has seen the highest number of casualties since 2015.

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The BLA’s attacks on Pakistan’s military establishments this year have not only gained operational momentum but have also demonstrated a sharp increase in precision and effectiveness. An assessment of attacks from January 29 to August 14 further highlights the BLA’s growing capability to conduct in-depth strikes, a reality that continues to haunt Pakistan's security apparatus.

The Baloch Revival: A Resurgent Force in Pakistan's Troubled Waters

Pakistan's internal security is teetering on the edge, as the long-standing Baloch insurgency shows signs of a powerful revival. Islamist terror groups have joined forces with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), leading to more organised and precision-guided strikes. This collaboration signals two key developments in the Baloch insurgency. First, the insurgents now possess enhanced planning capabilities, enabling them to carry out large-scale attacks and energise the core of Baloch nationalism. Second, these strikes are far more effective than the traditional hit-and-run tactics, highlighting the BLA's growing sophistication.

For years, Pakistan’s security establishment has relied on the argument that it can crush the BLA as it did in the past, believing in its strength to suppress any insurgent force. However, recent events challenge this narrative. The growing coherence of the Baloch insurgency, bolstered by the support of various terror factions, suggests that the Baloch people have found a way to revive their struggle, despite decades of brutal suppression. The fragmented Baloch nationalism has started to show upward momentum, particularly following the success of Operation Herof.

One significant shift in this revival is the increasing inclusivity of the Baloch resistance. Unlike in the past, when the leadership of the insurgency was concentrated among the landed elite or Sardars, the movement now includes women and working-class individuals. This broadened base of support strengthens Baloch nationalism and enhances the capacity for armed struggle, making the BLA more resilient against the Pakistani military. The days when the BLA’s momentum was crushed by brutal state responses may be fading into history.

A notable figure in this revival Mahrang Baloch's rally could have drawn 200,000 people.

A notable figure in this revival is Mahrang Baloch, leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). Mahrang has crafted a non-violent political platform aimed at mobilising and politically empowering Baloch nationalism. Her efforts are resonating deeply with the local population, particularly in Gwadar. In a recent rally, her influence was evident—reports suggest that if security forces hadn’t intervened, the BYC protest in Gwadar could have drawn a crowd of 200,000. This marks the first time such massive unity and mobilisation has been witnessed among the Baloch people.

Speaking to a leading U.S. newspaper, Mahrang Baloch stated, "We started mass mobilisation in schools as well as going door-to-door to provide the youth with political education." Her words highlight the shift from armed struggle to organised political activism, a transformation that signals a promising revival of Baloch nationalism. The movement is gaining traction, and with it, the potential for a sustained struggle against the forces that have sought to suppress it for so long.

Pakistan’s Counter-Terror Promises Fall Flat

A few months ago, Pakistan launched an ambitious counter-terrorism operation codenamed Azm-e-Istehkam, aimed at curbing terror attacks within its borders. While the operation saw limited success against the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), it has failed to contain the growing resurgence of Baloch insurgents.

The Balochistan Liberation Army's (BLA) Operation Herof unfolded in the midst of Pakistan’s counter-terror efforts, revealing massive flaws in the country’s approach. Despite large-scale operations by Pakistan’s Special Forces in the Mastung and Bolan Districts of Balochistan—deploying ground troops and helicopter gunships—Pakistan faced one of the most significant retaliations to its counter-terror campaign. Army infantry and aerial operations, involving over seven combat helicopters, had been ongoing for days in the region, yet the BLA’s resurgence continued unabated.

The failure of Pakistan's counter-terror efforts can be traced to its fragmented operational response and poor judgement in strategic assessments. The country’s security apparatus is ill-prepared for large-scale counter-terror operations, relying instead on unconventional methods such as assassinations, forced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings—tactics that have terrorised Baloch communities for years. According to a December 2023 report by the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), over 7,000 people have gone 'missing' from Balochistan since 2000. Yet, the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, established in 2011 to trace the missing and hold responsible parties accountable, reported only 454 ‘active cases’ of enforced disappearances from Balochistan as of October 2023—a stark discrepancy that further erodes trust in Pakistan's counter-terror operations.

Pakistan’s failure to dismantle the growing alliance between various terror factions and BLA cadres is another glaring shortcoming of its current strategy. Instead of addressing these operational failures, Pakistan’s Army Chief, Asim Munir, has shifted focus to the digital sphere, expressing vague concerns about "digital terrorism" in his speeches. This shift has sparked debate, as internet speeds in Pakistan have noticeably slowed, raising suspicions that the ISI is once again targeting political activism, particularly the efforts of Imran Khan and other opposition figures who are leveraging digital platforms for political resurgence.

These attempts to divert attention from counter-terror failures reflect Pakistan’s desperation to achieve results. However, the country’s long-standing habit of half-hearted measures and strategically flawed plans only deepens its predicament. Without a serious overhaul of its approach, Pakistan risks further instability and a continued inability to effectively combat the threats within its own borders.

Pakistan’s Preparation for Big Events and the Implications of Resurgence

As Pakistan gears up to host key diplomatic and sporting events, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, SAARC meetings, and the ICC Champions Trophy, the country faces major challenges in ensuring safety and security. Amidst a backdrop where Pakistan is increasingly becoming a terror hotbed, the likelihood of successfully hosting these high-profile events is dwindling. This potential setback would not only damage Pakistan’s counter-terror credentials but also bring considerable embarrassment, particularly from political forces within the country.

The first and most obvious implication is diplomatic—Pakistan’s global image would suffer a severe blow. Additionally, the strain on Pakistan-China relations is intensifying, especially as the Gwadar and CPEC regions remain under severe threat from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Any failure to protect Chinese interests could jeopardise one of Pakistan’s most crucial alliances.

Moreover, the dangers of socio-political instability loom large, as Pakistan’s security establishment may escalate its crackdown on political and social activists in response to Army Chief Asim Munir’s warnings about digital terrorism. This could lead to further unrest within the country, complicating an already volatile situation.

The U.S. State Department supported Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts and condemned BLA's attacks, a level of support former Indian intelligence chief Vikram Sood noted was missing during India’s Kashmir conflict.

The ongoing battle with terror groups could prolong, further destabilising Pakistan’s security landscape. However, there is a slim possibility that Pakistan might find some respite through closer ties with the United States. The United States Department of State recently expressed solidarity with Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts and condemned BLA's continued attacks—a level of support that former Indian intelligence chief Vikram Sood noted was not extended to India during its own struggles with Pakistan-based terrorism in Kashmir.

As Pakistan grapples with multiple instabilities, even after months of counter-terror operations, it is increasingly forced to reconsider the deteriorating state of its national development. The challenges it faces are not only immediate but also long-term, and without a coherent strategy, Pakistan risks deeper isolation and insecurity on the global stage.

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