Explained: What Is BLA? Liberation Army Intensifies Attacks On Pakistan Amid Operation Sindoor; Understand India-Balochistan Ties

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is a militant organisation based in Balochistan, a province in southwestern Pakistan. The group's primary objective is to achieve independence for Balochistan, which they claim has been subjected to economic exploitation, political repression, and cultural suppression by the Pakistani government.

The BLA has been involved in various attacks against Pakistani military and civilian targets, including infrastructure, government buildings, and security personnel. They claim to be fighting for the rights and self-determination of the Baloch people.

Conflicts Between Balochistan And Pakistan

Pakistan has long been accused of suppressing Baloch nationalism and exploiting the region's resources without adequately investing in its development. The Pakistani government views Baloch separatist movements as a threat to national security and has taken a hardline stance against militants.BLA's Attacks on Pakistan Army

The BLA's attacks on the Pakistan army are primarily driven by their desire for independence and self-determination for Balochistan. They claim that the Pakistani government has denied them their rights and subjected them to human rights abuses, forced disappearances, and economic exploitation.

Recent Attacks By BLA To Pakistan

At least 14 Pakistani army personnel were killed in two attacks in Balochistan, highlighting the escalating insurgency in the region. The first attack involved a remote-controlled IED targeting a military convoy in Mach, Bolan district, resulting in the deaths of all 12 soldiers, including two Special Operations Commanders. A subsequent attack in Kech district was also linked to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which claimed responsibility and criticized the army as a mercenary force. These incidents reflect the ongoing conflict in Balochistan, with separatist groups alleging marginalization and human rights violations by the Pakistani state. Following the attacks, the Pakistani military launched a sanitization operation in the affected areas to eliminate remaining militants. This incident occurred amidst heightened tensions, particularly following recent military actions against terrorism in the region, contributing to the complex security dynamics in Balochistan.

A bomb targeting a military convoy in Balochistan injured five individuals, escalating tensions between Pakistan and India amid rising violence in the region. An unnamed local government official indicated that the convoy was on a security operation. Armed groups have reportedly killed over 200 people in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in 2025, with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claiming responsibility for a previous train hijacking that resulted in 31 fatalities.

The attack occurs against a backdrop of hostility following a recent Pahalgam assault in Indian-administered Kashmir, which left 26 dead, prompting India to accuse Pakistan of supporting terrorism, a claim Islamabad refutes. In response to the attacks, both nations have taken defensive measures, including troop movements, missile tests, and the suspension of trade and diplomatic activities. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for restraint to avoid potential military confrontation.

India-Balochistan Relations

India has historically maintained good relations with Baloch nationalists, and some Baloch separatist groups have allegedly received support from Indian intelligence agencies. India has been accused by Pakistan of fueling separatism in Balochistan. The relationship between Balochistan and India is intricate, influenced by historical connections, the existence of a Baloch diaspora in India, and ongoing political tensions. Although some historical associations date back to British India, where Balochistan was governed differently, the region's public sentiment during the independence movement leaned towards joining Pakistan. Separatist movements were allegedly fostered by the Indian Congress to obstruct Balochistan's integration with Pakistan.

Currently, the Baloch diaspora in India comprises individuals of Baloch descent, contributing to India's multicultural landscape. Pakistan accuses India of supporting Baloch separatists, a claim India refutes. There have been reciprocal accusations regarding support for violent groups in Balochistan. Overall, the Balochistan-India relationship is marked by a complex blend of history and ongoing geopolitical strife, with both nations contesting allegations against one another regarding their involvement in the region.