Balochistan: BLA claims responsibility for Khuzdar attack, says five killed

Balochistan [Pakistan], September 17 (ANI): The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s attack near the compound of Shafiq-ur-Rehman Mengal in Khuzdar, alleging that five people, including a police officer, were killed in the operation, according to a report by The Balochistan Post.
As cited in the news report, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said the group’s fighters targeted what the organisation described as an “important and active base” belonging to Mengal in the Awak area of Aranji, Wadh.
The BLA claimed that all five armed men present at the site were associated with an alleged “death squad”. The group further claimed that its fighters seized weapons and other military equipment following the attack.
According to the news report, the BLA identified those killed as Abdul Hayee, Naimatullah, Yahya, Naseer Ahmed and Noora Mohammad Zai. The group accused Noora Mohammad, described as a police officer, of working for the alleged “death squad” under the cover of a government uniform.
The BLA described the attack as part of its “Operation Marg-e-Gaddaran”, or “Death to Traitors”, which it had announced earlier this year against individuals and armed groups it accuses of operating under state patronage.
The spokesperson also referred to the BLA’s Majeed Brigade attack on Mengal’s main compound in Khuzdar on July 8. According to the claim cited by the report, 34 of Mengal’s associates were killed in that attack, while Mengal escaped in a bulletproof vehicle.
The BLA said that under “Operation Marg-e-Gaddaran”, it would continue targeting what it calls “traitors” and their operatives. The organisation claimed that its military units remained continuously active in destroying their alleged secret bases.
The group also issued what it described as a final warning to people associated with Mengal or other alleged “death squads”. It called on them to sever their ties, end any intelligence or military cooperation, and return to civilian life.
According to the news report, the BLA said individuals who withdrew from such associations would not be harmed. However, it warned that anyone who continued to provide information or assistance to Mengal would be regarded by the group as a “national traitor” and directly targeted.
The BLA further stated that “Operation Marg-e-Gaddaran” would continue “with full intensity and strength” until, in the group’s words, Balochistan had been “completely purged of traitors”. (ANI)