The Baloch rebel group, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), has announced Operation Herof Phase II, continuing for over 40 hours in various Balochistan districts. Alleging heavy casualties among Pakistani security forces, the BLA asserts control over both urban and rural areas. The group expanded its operation geographically across the province, as per statements released through its official channel, Hakkal.
As part of their assertions, the BLA shared a video from clashes in Gwadar, identifying a female ‘fidayeen’ fighter named Hawa Baloch, also known as Droshum, who they claim was killed during attacks on Pakistani forces. The video was described as her “final message” sent before her death. Sources mentioned by The Balochistan Post revealed that Hawa Baloch, a writer, had a father associated with the Baloch armed movement who died in combat years ago.
Hawa Baloch, in the video message, urged Baloch women to join the armed resistance, citing oppression by the Pakistani state against both men and women in Baloch society. She emphasized the strength and capability of Baloch women, calling for justice and action. The BLA also introduced another female fidayeen, Asifa Mengal, who allegedly conducted a VBIED operation targeting the ISI headquarters in Noshki on January 31.
The BLA, through spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, detailed that their fighters completed operations in areas like Kharan, Mastung, Tump, and Pasni, with ongoing fighting in other regions. The group claimed to have repelled Islamabad’s military presence in Quetta and Noshki, stating that over 200 security personnel were killed during the offensive, with 17 individuals captured. The BLA mentioned losses within their ranks, including 18 fighters killed during the operation.
