BLA Fighters Attack 7 Cities In Pakistan’s Balochistan; 18 Security Personnel Killed, 43 Injured | Exclusive

Last Updated:January 31, 2026, 18:45 IST

Operation Herof: Police vans, police stations and jails attacked; series of explosions and intense gunfire reported; BLA fighters take control of Eastern Bypass

BLA fighters in Balochistan region. (News18)

Baloch fighters launched coordinated attacks on seven major cities, including provincial capital Quetta, in Pakistan’s Balochistan, in what is being called the second phase of its deadly Operation Herof. According to sources, 18 Pakistan security personnel have been killed, while 43 have been injured in the attacks.

The BLA separatists have reportedly entered dozens of cities across Balochistan. “The situation in Quetta city is extremely critical, and an emergency has been declared in all hospitals. Exchange of fire and explosions between security forces and fighters in various areas of Quetta," said local sources.

Police officers were martyred in an attack on a police van on Saryab Road in Quetta. Meanwhile, an attack on the Khaliq Shaheed police station has also been reported. Reports indicate an attack on Mastung Jail and the escape of prisoners.

The Mastung police station and the city have been seized, with reports of over 30 prisoners escaping. Armed individuals have taken control of various areas in Quetta. The CTD (Counter-Terrorism Department) office in Nushki has been occupied.

Attacks are also reported in Gwadar, while firing and explosions have occurred in Pasni. In Dalbandin, a series of explosions and intense gunfire continues, and clashes are ongoing in Kalat. A large number of armed BLA fighters have also taken control of the Eastern Bypass.

Four subjected to enforced disappearance in Gwadar, Kharan

Four men were reportedly subjected to enforced disappearance in Balochistan’s Gwadar and Kharan districts, while in Turbat, relatives of a missing youth blocked the CPEC highway to press for his recovery, according to a report by The Balochistan Post (TBP).

People from the Robar area of Jiwani said Pakistani forces had been conducting repeated night raids since the start of January. They alleged that troops enter houses, assault residents, and confiscate valuables, forcing multiple families to leave the area.

Locals said that two brothers were detained during a raid on January 6 and taken to an undisclosed location. They added that a third resident was arrested the next day from the same neighbourhood. None of the three men has been produced before the public or a court, residents said, as noted by the TBP report.

What is Operation Herof?

Operation Herof refers to a series of large-scale, coordinated military offensives launched by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) against Pakistani security forces and infrastructure in Balochistan.

Phase 1: Operation Herof (August 2024)

The operation began on August 25-26, 2024, marking the anniversary of the death of Baloch leader Akbar Bugti. The BLA claimed to have killed over 102 Pakistani soldiers in a 20-hour offensive.

The Majeed Brigade (BLA’s fidayeen unit) attacked the Bela army camp, reportedly holding sections of it for hours. Militants blocked major highways (including those linked to CPEC), setting up checkpoints to identify and target security personnel traveling in civilian clothes.

Phase 2: Operation Herof 2.0 (May 2025)

Launched as a continuation of the initial campaign, this phase significantly escalated the conflict. Approximately 78 coordinated attacks were launched across 58 locations in Balochistan.

The BLA stated the operation is aimed at ending the “occupation" of Balochistan and reclaiming the region’s “liberated status".

With Agency Inputs

News world BLA Fighters Attack 7 Cities In Pakistan’s Balochistan; 18 Security Personnel Killed, 43 Injured | Exclusive

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