LAHORE: Pakistani security forces successfully repelled a wave of coordinated terrorist attacks across several districts of Balochistan, maintaining control after swift and effective countermeasures. The assaults were claimed by militants as part of a campaign dubbed “Herof 2.0,” which authorities say collapsed within hours.
According to security officials, the attacks were carried out by elements linked to Fitna-al-Hindustan (FAH), described as a foreign-backed network affiliated with the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Despite exaggerated claims circulated on social media and by hostile outlets, the attacks caused no strategic damage.
Rapid Response Across Multiple Locations
In Quetta’s Saryab Road area, terrorists opened fire on a police vehicle. Police personnel responded immediately, with Frontier Corps (FC) units reinforcing the operation. Four attackers were killed, and the area was cleared.
In Nushki, militants attempted a fire raid on the FC Headquarters but were forced to retreat after alert troops returned heavy fire. No casualties or damage were reported.
Dalbandin also came under attack, where explosions were reported near the FC Headquarters. Security forces swiftly sealed the area and launched clearance operations, preventing further escalation.
In Kalat, attackers targeted the Deputy Commissioner’s office and nearby police lines. A gun battle ensued, but security personnel successfully repelled the assault and inflicted losses on the attackers.
Additional incidents were reported in Pasni, where a Pakistan Coast Guards facility was targeted from a distance, and in Gwadar, where a labourers’ colony was attacked. Timely intervention by police and FC units foiled both attempts.
Simultaneous grenade attacks and distant firing were also reported at security posts in Balicha, Tump, Mastung, and Kharan. All were successfully repulsed.
Situation Remains Stable
Security officials confirmed that the situation across Balochistan remained stable. Only two to three security personnel sustained minor injuries, and no vital installations were affected.
Authorities believe the attacks were a reaction to recent counter-terrorism operations in which more than 50 militants were killed, describing the latest violence as a failed attempt to offset those losses.
Leadership Abroad, Local Casualties
Officials attributed responsibility for the attacks to BLA leaders Bashir Zeb Baloch, Allah Nazar, and Harbiyar Marri, who are believed to be operating from outside Pakistan, primarily Afghanistan. The BLA and its splinter factions are banned under Pakistani law, and the BLA is also designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States.
Security analysts point out that while militant leaders remain abroad, young recruits from Balochistan are pushed into high-risk operations, often resulting in fatalities. Casualties from failed attacks and internal factional violence are frequently portrayed by affiliated propaganda groups as “enforced disappearances,” they added.
The recent targeting of civilian areas, including labour settlements, has further undermined the group’s claims of representing Baloch interests, exposing what officials describe as its criminal nature.
‘Herof 2.0’ Fails to Deliver
Authorities say the outcome of “Herof 2.0” underscores poor planning and weak execution, as well as the effectiveness of Pakistan’s security response. The campaign, they noted, has only highlighted the declining operational capacity and growing isolation of militant networks in the province.
Security forces reiterated their resolve to protect civilians and continue intelligence-based operations against foreign-sponsored militant groups. Officials stressed that accountability lies with militant leaders and their external handlers, whose actions continue to cost local youth their lives without bringing stability or progress to Balochistan.
