Quetta, February 1 (NationPress) - Bus services connecting major cities in Pakistan to Quetta have been halted due to the escalating security concerns in Balochistan. All bus operations have been suspended at Rakhni, leaving hundreds of travelers stranded, as reported by local media on Sunday, referencing transport authorities.

Transport officials indicated that the suspension of bus services between Quetta and various other cities in Pakistan on Saturday has adversely affected numerous individuals across multiple regions. Bus operators have confirmed that services to and from Quetta will remain halted until further updates are provided due to the ongoing security situation in Balochistan.

Simultaneously, internet services have been disrupted in Quetta and other areas of Balochistan, significantly affecting daily activities. The disruption of internet services, along with the partial or total suspension of air and train operations, has hampered commercial activities and regular communication.

The education sector has also felt the impact, with the Cadet College Mastung announcing that the entry test initially scheduled for Sunday (February 1) has been postponed to February 5 due to unavoidable circumstances. This interruption in internet services and bus operations follows the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) declaring the launch of the second phase of its 'Operation Herof' in Balochistan. Since the announcement, there have been reports of attacks and armed confrontations in various regions.

The BLA spokesperson, Jeeyand Baloch, characterized this as a “declaration of decisive resistance,” emphasizing that the new phase targets “the occupying state and all its military and administrative frameworks.” He asserted that alongside Baloch fighters, the populace of Balochistan would “defeat the enemy in every city, street, and neighborhood,” highlighting the operation's goal to demonstrate that “there is no space for the occupier in Balochistan.”

Local reports indicate a tense security atmosphere across various districts in the province, including Quetta, Nushki, Kalat, Mastung, Dalbandin, Kharan, Gwadar, Pasni, Tump, Buleda, and Dhadar, amid incidents of significant gunfire, explosions, and attacks on police and military installations.

Residents of Quetta reported gunfire and explosions in several locations, particularly in the sensitive Red Zone.

There have been reports of armed individuals attacking a police mobile van on Sariab Road in Quetta, resulting in the deaths of two officers and the subsequent burning of the vehicle, with gunfire noted near the railway station.

In a new statement released to the media, the BLA noted that during the second phase of 'Operation Herof', they have initiated “simultaneous, coordinated attacks” in ten cities, including Quetta, Nushki, Mastung, Dalbandin, Kalat, Kharan, Gwadar, Pasni, Tump, and Buleda.

BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch claimed that they have targeted “military and administrative structures,” disrupted the movements of “enemy forces,” and “pushed back” Pakistani troops in various locations.

The statement further claimed that “Fidayeen attacks” were directed at Pakistani army and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) camps in Quetta, Pasni, Gwadar, Noshki, and Dalbandin, asserting that the group’s Majeed Brigade had “successfully infiltrated army camps and seized significant portions of them,” with “intense clashes” persisting. The BLA asserted that “dozens” of Pakistani military personnel had been “neutralized” thus far.

In a separate communication through the BLA’s media wing, the group’s commander-in-chief, Bashir Zeb Baloch, urged the residents of Balochistan to “emerge from their homes and resist Pakistani forces.”

“This struggle transcends any individual; it embodies a collective consciousness. When a nation unites, the adversary cannot evade defeat, regardless of its strength. The Baloch nation is called upon to participate in 'Operation Herof',” the Balochistan Post quoted Bashir as saying.