The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed on Saturday, 17 May that its fighters had seized control of Dalbandin city and the Quetta-Taftan main highway in Pakistan's Balochistan province, warning mineral transporters that convoys carrying what the group termed 'looted Baloch resources' would no longer be permitted on the route, according to local media reports.

Key Developments

BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said the group conducted 10 operations across Balochistan over 10 days, encompassing the takeover of Dalbandin city, attacks on Pakistani security forces, highway blockades, and strikes on what the group described as 'exploitative networks'. According to the BLA statement, 11 personnel of Pakistani forces were killed and several others injured across these operations, while multiple vehicles associated with what the group called 'exploitative companies' were destroyed.

The BLA claimed its fighters took 'complete control' of Dalbandin city in what it described as a 'highly organised and large-scale assault', adding that all government buildings — including the local police station — were under the group's control for several hours. 'A large quantity of weapons, ammunition, and other military equipment was seized from the police station and taken into custody, while the official vehicles present there were set on fire,' the BLA said in its statement.

Highway Seizures and Infrastructure Attacks

On 15 May, BLA fighters reportedly seized large trailers carrying chromite on the Quetta-Taftan highway in Mastung and set them ablaze. The group also claimed to have destroyed 'an important bridge' in the Sheikh Wasil area of Mastung on the same day, saying it disrupted the enemy's 'supply system'.

In Nushki, BLA fighters allegedly took control of the Quetta-Taftan highway for several hours, during which four individuals described as 'suspicious' and linked to the Saindak Project were detained for interrogation. The group also claimed its fighters seized and burned two cargo trucks carrying minerals in Kharan.

On 16 May, the BLA claimed an attack on a Pakistani forces convoy at Abad in Mastung, reportedly killing three personnel, injuring several others, and disabling a military vehicle.

Surveillance and Support Infrastructure Targeted

The group also claimed responsibility for attacks on surveillance infrastructure in Kech district, saying fighters destroyed surveillance cameras at a Pakistani army post in Nasirabad, Turbat, disabled a state camera network in Hayatabad, Tump, and damaged water supply machinery used by Pakistani forces in Jabshan, Zamuran, according to The Balochistan Post.

BLA's Warning to Mineral Transporters

The BLA issued a direct warning to firms, contractors, and transporters involved in mineral extraction — particularly those linked to the Saindak and Reko Diq projects. 'We will no longer, under any circumstances, allow trucks, trailers, or any convoys carrying looted Baloch resources and minerals to pass through here,' the group stated. It added that those continuing such activities would be responsible for their own 'life and financial losses'.

The group separately stated that it would extend cooperation to ordinary civilians on highways and expressed commitment to protecting civilian lives and property. Pakistani authorities had not issued an independent public statement on the claims at the time of reporting. All figures and operational claims cited are those of the BLA and have not been independently verified.