Terror revisits Balochistan: All you need to know about BLA attacks

2026-01-31 - 18:56

QUETTA – A series of pre-planned attacks struck 12 cities across Balochistan, including provincial capital Quetta, causing deaths and widespread disruption. Pakistani government confirmed that at least 37 militants and 10 security personnel were killed during the attacks, while security sources claimed that 67 militants were killed during retaliatory operations. Reports also suggest that 17 civilians lost their lives, though officials have not confirmed this officially. The attacks involved bombings, armed assaults, and suicide attacks and were claimed by the banned separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which described them as the second phase of “Operation Hero.” Balochistan Attacks Deaths Category Number Militants killed (confirmed by the government) 37 Militants killed (claimed by security sources) 67 Security personnel killed 10 Civilians killed (unconfirmed) 17 Prisoners escaped (Mastung jail) 27 Eleven civilians, 10 security personnel and 67 militants were killed in multiple attacks across Pakistan's Balochistan province, authorities say. The separatist group, Baloch Liberation Army, claimed responsibility; BLA videos show women fighters taking part in the attacks. pic.twitter.com/1db01xHeZy — DW News (@dwnews) January 31, 2026 In Quetta, the attacks began around 6 a.m. in the southern areas of the city. Militants targeted multiple locations, including Saryab Road, Hazar Ganji, near Edhi Chowk, Sheikh Zaid Hospital, and Balochistan University, attacking police and security checkpoints. A major explosion occurred near Edhi Chowk, shattering nearby windows, while gunfire continued sporadically until early afternoon. According to CTD, four suspected militants were killed during a counter-operation, and two police officers lost their lives. After these attacks, Red Zone was sealed, government offices and courts, including the Civil Secretariat, were closed, and internet services in Quetta were shut down. Train services to and from Quetta, including the Jafar Express to Peshawar, were suspended, and helicopters were deployed for aerial surveillance. In Mastung, the local jail came under attack, allowing 27 prisoners to escape. In Nushki, the house of the Deputy Commissioner was attacked, and reports indicate he may have been taken hostage. Kharan witnessed a targeted assault on the home of Mir Shahid Gul Malazi, chairman of the Malazi National Union, resulting in his death along with six others; their house and vehicle were also set on fire. In Gwadar, an attack claimed the lives of 11 members of a family from Khuzdar, including three women and three children. In Pasni, a female suicide bomber targeted the office of the Maritime Security Agency, though details of casualties remain unclear. Meanwhile, in Mach, security authorities instructed residents to remain indoors, with announcements made in mosques emphasizing safety precautions. Other cities, including Dalbandin, Shabaan, and Panjgur, also reported gunfire and explosions, though specific casualty figures are yet to be verified. Security agencies conducted swift retaliatory operations, reportedly killing 41 militants over the course of two days in various areas, bringing the total number of militants killed in operations during this period to 108. These counteractions were described by officials as part of a continued effort to neutralize militant threats in Balochistan. The provincial government, led by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, stated that in the past 12 months, security forces have killed more than 700 terrorists in Balochistan. He emphasized that the early morning attacks were conducted by “Fitna-e-Hindustan terrorists,” but security forces successfully thwarted all major attacks. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attacks, confirming 37 militants and 10 security personnel had been killed and highlighting the effectiveness of timely operations. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif also confirmed that attacks occurred in 12 locations, including Quetta, Nushki, Dalbandin, Pasni, and Gwadar. The attacks caused widespread disruption, with Quetta experiencing panic, closure of businesses, hotels, and shops, and halting of court proceedings. Civilian life was severely affected as security measures, including sealing of the Red Zone, deployment of helicopters, and suspension of transport services, were implemented. The BLA’s claim of responsibility underlines the continuing threat posed by insurgent groups targeting both government installations and civilians in the province. Security forces continue to track fleeing militants, and emergency measures remain in place across affected areas. In summary, Saturday’s attacks represent a significant escalation in militant activity across Balochistan, resulting in dozens of deaths, prison breaks, hostage situations, and major disruptions in Quetta and surrounding cities. The government and security agencies maintain that the attacks were largely foiled due to timely and effective operations, but the province continues to face a heightened security threat. Mohsin Naqvi in Quetta as Pak forces foil BLA’s ‘Operation Hero 2.0’ in Balochistan