Quetta, April 16 (NationPress) Residents in Kharan district of Pakistan's Balochistan province have reported that armed individuals, allegedly affiliated with Pakistani forces, are posing as Baloch independence fighters and intimidating the local populace.

These men have claimed to be "sarmachars," a designation for Baloch fighters, as they roamed various areas in the district, issuing threats to residents, according to The Balochistan Post.

Eyewitnesses stated that these armed individuals entered a hospital in Killi Sarawan, compelling staff to cease operations, effectively shutting down the facility and instructing employees not to resume work.

Additionally, the group, while masquerading as Baloch fighters, threatened staff at a polio transit point in South City along Naurozabad Road, halted buses, and attempted to intimidate both passengers and drivers.

Local residents described the group as a regional "death squad" allegedly operating under the auspices of Pakistani forces, asserting that these armed men have been seen accompanying military personnel during patrols in the vicinity, as reported by The Balochistan Post.

Following an attack on Pakistani forces by Baloch fighters in the area on Monday, the military presence in Kharan has reportedly increased.

Residents contend that these actions are calculated to instill fear among civilians and turn them against Baloch pro-independence militant groups.

Earlier this week, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) announced the death of three Pakistani naval personnel during what it characterized as its inaugural maritime operation in the Jiwani region of Gwadar district.

In conjunction with this announcement, the BLA unveiled its naval wing, showcasing video footage of masked fighters approaching the sea before boarding a speedboat.

These fighters were depicted at sea, targeted a vessel identified as a Pakistan Coast Guard boat, and unleashed a hail of gunfire.

"As long as even one son of the Baloch remains on this land, we will not allow you to remain on this sea or this land. We stand prepared today, just as we did yesterday, and we will continue to be prepared… You will be struck everywhere," the fighters declared prior to the assault.

BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch confirmed the establishment of the Hammal Maritime Defence Force (HMDF), aimed at safeguarding Baloch maritime interests.

He stated that this new branch of the BLA initiated its first operational activity by attacking a Pakistani Navy patrol boat on the morning of April 12 at 'Mil Tiyab' in Jiwani.

According to Jeeyand, the intense fire from BLA fighters resulted in the immediate fatalities of all three "occupying navy personnel on board," including Naik Afzal, Sepoy Jameel, and Sepoy Umar.

Following the operation, the BLA fighters successfully retreated to their secure locations.

The BLA asserted that the "Baloch national independence movement" has now evolved to encompass maritime operations, which they claim will serve as a formidable challenge to their adversaries.

The statement asserted, "The occupying Pakistan and its imperialist allies have been illicitly auctioning the Baloch seas for years, leading to the economic devastation of our fishermen while transforming coastlines into military bases. The formation of the Hammal Maritime Defence Force marks the inception of our national navy, prepared to thwart the maritime exploitation of Baloch resources, disrupt enemy naval operations, and defend our occupied shores."

In their warning to Pakistani forces, the BLA emphasized that their military capabilities now extend beyond mountainous terrains and urban areas, stating, "We have acquired the capacity to target the enemy in deep waters, including its naval installations and assets. Our struggle will persist with unwavering intensity until the complete withdrawal of the enemy and the re-establishment of a free and sovereign Baloch state."