Top Headlines

Feeds

Balochistan Liberation Army’s Jan 30‑31 Assault Leaves Over 120 Dead, Pakistan Kills 145 Militants

Updated (4 articles)
  • Attackers struck cities across Balochistan including the provincial capital Quetta
    Image: BBC
    Attackers struck cities across Balochistan including the provincial capital Quetta (EPA) Source Full size

Coordinated raids across nine districts kill dozens and spark kidnappings The BLA struck police stations, military outposts, a high‑security prison in Mastung and civilian sites in Quetta, Dalbandin, Nushki, Pasni and Gwadar on Jan 30‑31, killing at least 31 civilians and 17 security personnel while claiming 84 security deaths and 18 abductions [1][2][3]. The group released videos showing female fighters and labeled the operation “Herof” (black storm). Authorities reported a total death toll exceeding 120, including 92 militants killed in the same day [2].

Pakistani forces engage militants for 40 hours, report 145 insurgent deaths Security units launched province‑wide counter‑operations, fighting the attackers for roughly 40 hours and reporting the elimination of at least 145 militants [1][3]. The army’s response included raids that killed 41 insurgents earlier in the week and a broader sweep that left 145 militants dead across the province [1]. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti highlighted the unprecedented scale of militant casualties [2].

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accuses India of backing the attacks; Delhi denies involvement Naqvi publicly blamed India for planning the Jan 30‑31 assaults, a claim echoed by the military and reiterated in the Hindu’s report [1]. India’s Ministry of External Affairs called the allegation “baseless” and a diversion on Feb 1 [1]. Both CNN and BBC note the recurring diplomatic row without presenting evidence [2][3].

Violence surge in 2025 threatens $60‑billion CPEC projects and mineral contracts The Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies recorded 254 attacks and over 400 deaths in 2025, a 26 % rise year‑on‑year [1]. Despite the province’s strategic importance for the China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor and a $500 million MoU with Strategic Metals, recurring insurgent activity jeopardizes investment [1]. Amnesty International documented more than 10,000 enforced disappearances since 2011, underscoring long‑standing grievances fueling the insurgency [1].

Discrepancies emerge between BLA’s claimed security casualties and official figures The BLA announced 84 security personnel killed and 18 kidnappings, whereas Pakistani officials confirmed 31 civilian and 17 security deaths, with no independent verification of the higher BLA figures [3]. CNN reported 33 civilian and security deaths, while the Hindu’s account aligns with the lower official count [1][2]. These conflicting numbers illustrate the propaganda battle surrounding the attacks.

Sources

Timeline

2011 – Amnesty International documents over 10,000 enforced disappearances in Balochistan, fueling long‑standing grievances that underpin the BLA and Baloch Liberation Front insurgency [3].

2025 – The Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies records 254 insurgent attacks in Balochistan, causing more than 400 deaths, a 26 % rise over 2024 and highlighting an escalating security crisis [3].

Sep 2025 – US‑based Strategic Metals signs a $500 million memorandum of understanding with the military‑aligned Frontier Works Organisation to develop mineral mines along the $60‑billion China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor, underscoring the province’s strategic economic importance despite rising violence [3].

Jan 8, 2026 – Pakistani security forces conduct two intelligence‑based operations in North Waziristan and Kurram, killing 11 militants linked to Fitna Al Khawarij and the Tehreek‑e‑Taliban Pakistan, demonstrating continued counter‑terrorism pressure in the north‑west [4].

Jan 30‑31, 2026 – The Balochistan Liberation Army launches coordinated strikes in nine districts, killing 84 security personnel, kidnapping 18 civilians, and freeing inmates from a high‑security prison; leader Bashir Zeb Baloch declares the raids phase two of the “Herof” operation in a video release [3].

Feb 1, 2026 – Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi publicly accuses India of planning the Jan 30‑31 attacks, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vows to “continue the war against terrorism until its complete eradication,” and junior interior minister Talal Chaudhry says militants disguised themselves as civilians and used human shields during the assaults [1][3].

Feb 1, 2026 – The BLA’s “Herof” operation claims 84 security deaths and 18 kidnappings, contradicting official figures that report 31 civilian and 17 security fatalities; the group also accuses the federal government of exploiting provincial mineral wealth without local benefit [1].

Feb 1, 2026 – A 40‑hour gun‑and‑bomb clash erupts across Quetta and surrounding towns, killing 31 civilians and 17 security personnel, while security forces eliminate at least 145 militants, jam mobile services and suspend regional train operations [1].

Feb 1, 2026 – The deadliest day of violence in Balochistan records over 120 deaths, including 33 civilians and security staff killed by suicide bombers and gunmen, and 92 assailants killed by security forces; analysts label the casualty count unprecedented, with Abdullah Khan noting the scale “had never before been that large” [2].

Feb 1, 2026 – Pakistani officials again allege Indian support for the attacks; the military and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assert external backing, while India repeatedly denies involvement, maintaining that the accusations are baseless [2][1].

Feb 3, 2026 – India’s Ministry of External Affairs issues a statement rejecting Pakistan’s accusations of Indian involvement in the BLA attacks, calling the claims “usual tactics to deflect attention from its own internal failings” [3].

2026 (past year) – Provincial Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti reports that security forces have killed at least 700 insurgents in Balochistan over the previous twelve months, reflecting an intensified military campaign against the separatist movement [2].

All related articles (4 articles)