Millennium Post
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claims to have executed “Operation Dara-e-Bolan,” resulting in the reported killing of 78 Pakistani soldiers and injuries to more than 90 individuals. The campaign, spanning January 29 to 31, involved 385 Baloch freedom fighters, including 12 Fidayeen (self-sacrificers), according to the Baluchistan Post, citing a statement from the BLA.
The BLA’s statement, as reported by Indian News Agency ANI, declares the operation’s success, detailing the participation of fighters from various BLA units, including the Majeed Brigade, Fateh Squad, Special Tactical Operations Squad, and the intelligence wing. The operation, which concluded on January 31, achieved its targeted goals, securing control over a 70km radius area, including the town of Mach and the crucial NH-65 highway.
During the operation, BLA claimed to have eliminated 78 enemy personnel, with 45 neutralized within the first three hours. Notable incidents included the attack on a military camp in Peer Ghaib, Bolan, resulting in the elimination of 10 Frontier Corps personnel, and an assault on a military convoy in Gokurt that led to the death of four Pakistani soldiers.
BLA reported that during the storming of the FC headquarters, 12 Pakistani military personnel were killed, along with casualties among SSG Commandos and police personnel. The statement acknowledged the arrest and subsequent release of levies and police personnel upon assurances of impartiality. However, BLA stated that the SHO of Mach police exploited this concession and faced consequences.
The BLA statement emphasized the sacrifice of 13 fighters, including 12 Fidayeen, praising their commitment to the motherland. Despite the control exerted by BLA over a vast area for two days, only one BLA fighter was reported martyred, highlighting the organization’s military prowess.
Operation Dara-e-Bolan aimed to showcase BLA’s capability to liberate a city in Baluchistan from Pakistani forces and maintain control for two days. Additionally, the operation sought to convey BLA’s message to the world and potential allies, expressing readiness to collaborate against a common enemy.
The operation involved various tactics, including sniper/laser attacks, counterattacks, grenades/bombings, ambushes, targeted attacks, guerrilla attacks, and a missile attack. The BLA claimed to have targeted the Army, Police/Levies, paramilitary Frontier Corps, and secret services. The attacks destroyed military and police vehicles, surveillance cameras, and the seizure of weapons.