The Baloch Liberation Army on Monday claimed that it carried out 27 operations in several districts of Pakistan’s Balochistan province between April 15 and April 25, and alleged that at least 42 Pakistani military personnel were killed during the period.Balochistan Post, quoting a statement from BLA spokesperson Ziand Baloch, reported that its fighters carried out improvised explosive device (IED) blasts, ambushes, raids and drone strikes targeting Pakistani security forces.It was claimed that during this period 42 Pakistani army personnel were killed, many others were injured and one soldier was captured. The BLA also alleged that it seized weapons and briefly captured several posts and facilities of the security forces in different areas.The group further claimed that three of its fighters were killed. The statement said its fighters targeted advancing troops with a remote-controlled IED in the Sohanda area, leading to an ambush in which several soldiers were reportedly killed. According to the TBP, it was also alleged that 11 people were killed in subsequent operations in nearby civilian areas.The group said Pakistani forces were targeted in Almark area of Kharan through IED blasts and ambushes, forcing them to retreat and causing casualties. In Quetta, it claimed an attack on the “Eagle Squad” police unit on Kambrani Road, injuring two personnel. It also said it killed a local alleged pro-government armed man, often associated with “death squads”, in the Kohlu district, and reported further attacks on armed groups and security forces in Besima, claiming no casualties.According to BLA, one soldier was captured alive in the clashes in Shahrag, Harnai. It said it took control of a levee post in Jhal Magsi and seized weapons, and launched several attacks on convoys and checkpoints, resulting in deaths and injuries. The group also confirmed the death of one fighter during the clash.This comes weeks after three Pakistan Coast Guard personnel were killed when Baloch fighters opened fire on a patrol boat in the Arabian Sea near the Iran border, in what security officials said was the first attack of its kind on a maritime security vessel. Intelligence and police officials said the boat was on routine patrol near the Pakistan-Iran coastal border when it came under fire, killing all three personnel on board.
