What led to the BLA's attack on Quetta-Karachi highway?
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Synopsis
A recent attack by the BLA in Balochistan has left multiple government buildings in ruins and the Quetta-Karachi highway blocked. This violent act raises pressing questions about security in the region and the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement. Discover the alarming details of this incident and its implications.
Key Takeaways
- BLA militants blocked the Quetta-Karachi highway, disrupting traffic.
- Several government buildings were set on fire during the attack.
- At least 10 prisoners were freed from a police escort.
- The attack raises concerns about the security situation in Balochistan.
- Authorities are responding with operations to restore order.
Quetta, May 4 (NationPress) A significant attack orchestrated by the Fateh Squad of the banned terrorist group – the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) – has taken place in the Mongochar region of Balochistan's Kalat district, leading to the destruction of multiple government structures and the obstruction of the Quetta-Karachi highway.
According to security sources, the BLA militants obstructed the Quetta-Karachi Highway, causing a traffic standstill and conducting searches on several vehicles, including passenger buses.
The armed militants stormed the Mongochar marketplace and took control of various government buildings, such as the offices of NADRA (National Database & Registration Authority), the Judicial Complex, and the National Bank of Pakistan, before setting them ablaze.
“The buildings sustained severe damage due to the fire. The militants managed to escape before security forces could respond,” sources reported.
The BLA Fateh Squad has claimed responsibility for this attack, asserting that such operations are part of their so-called “liberation struggle.”
In response to the attack, security officials initiated an operation in the vicinity, and traffic has since been restored on the National Highway (N-25).
This incident was closely followed by another significant attack in the same Mongochar area, where BLA terrorists ambushed a police vehicle escorting prisoners from Gadani jail to Quetta.
Sources disclosed that the BLA operatives freed at least 10 inmates while capturing five police officers.
The police officials were using a private van for the prisoner transfer, and the driver along with the vehicle was ultimately released by the assailants.
“The terrorists employed the same strategy to halt and intercept the van by blocking the main highway,” sources added.
The police confirmed that the operation involved the transfer of 10 prisoners from Gadani jail to Quetta and the central jail in Mach.
“As the wagon approached the Mangochar area in the Kalat district, the terrorists had already blocked the national highway and were inspecting every vehicle, including buses and trucks. When they encountered the prison van, they liberated the inmates and abducted five police personnel, along with their official weapons. The two policemen in plain clothes managed to escape unharmed,” a police officer stated.
Senior political analyst Kamran Yousaf noted that the manner in which these terrorists obstructed the highway, searched vehicles, and set government buildings ablaze indicates that they were specifically targeting the prisoner van to liberate their associates.
“After not finding them among the stranded vehicles, they proceeded to search government buildings in Mongochar, setting them on fire in the process,” Yousaf remarked.
He emphasized that this attack raises significant concerns regarding the security landscape in Balochistan and the formidable challenges faced by Pakistan's security forces due to clandestine yet widespread support networks like the BLA.
“These terrorists demonstrate knowledge about prisoner movements and the presence of security officials on transportation. They meticulously plan their targeted assaults,” Yousaf concluded.
Point of View
It is vital to acknowledge the ongoing security challenges in Balochistan. The audacity of the BLA's recent attacks underscores the need for a comprehensive strategy to counter these threats. The situation requires a unified response from security forces and the government to protect the citizens and restore order in the region.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the attack by the BLA?
The BLA's attack was part of their so-called liberation struggle, targeting government buildings and obstructing the highway in Mongochar.
How many prisoners were freed during the incident?
At least 10 prisoners were freed by BLA militants during their ambush on a police vehicle.
What was the response from security forces?
Security forces launched an operation in the area following the attack, and traffic on the National Highway was restored.
Are there concerns about security in Balochistan?
Yes, the recent attacks highlight significant security concerns and the challenges faced by law enforcement in the region.
Who claimed responsibility for the attack?
The attack was claimed by the BLA Fateh Squad as part of their ongoing operations for liberation.
