REPORT: BLA Militants Seize Highway in Kalat
Fierce Clashes Leave Dozens Dead
Kalat, Balochistan – February 26, 2025 – The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) launched a coordinated attack in Kalat district, briefly seizing control of a key highway before being repelled by security forces in an intense battle that left at least 18 security personnel and 23 militants dead.
Highway Takeover and Attack Details
Eyewitnesses and security sources reported that heavily armed BLA militants blocked multiple sections of the Quetta-Karachi National Highway in the Mangochar area of Kalat late on February 25. The insurgents set up roadblocks, intercepted vehicles, and clashed with security personnel in an apparent attempt to disrupt movement in the region.
According to official sources, Frontier Corps (FC) personnel and local Levies forces engaged the insurgents in a fierce overnight battle to regain control of the highway. The 18 security personnel killed included FC officers, while at least 12 insurgents were reportedly killed in the initial exchange. The Pakistan Army later conducted a follow-up operation, raising the militant death toll to 23 insurgents by February 26.
Local residents described explosions and heavy gunfire echoing through the area as security reinforcements arrived to push back the attackers. Some civilian casualties were also reported, with at least two bystanders injured when insurgents fired at passing vehicles.
Casualties Among BLA Militants
The BLA suffered significant losses in the Kalat highway attack. Initial clashes resulted in the deaths of at least 12 militants, with security forces confirming an additional 11 insurgents killed during subsequent operations in the region. This brought the total militant death toll to 23. The Pakistani military reported that several insurgents attempted to flee towards remote mountainous areas but were intercepted by reinforcements. The BLA has not officially commented on their losses, but sources within security agencies believe that these casualties have dealt a major setback to the group’s operational capabilities in Kalat and surrounding areas.
Military and Government Response
Following the attack, Pakistan’s military launched a large-scale clearance operation in Kalat and surrounding areas. Security forces dismantled the insurgent barricades and secured the highway for public movement by the morning of February 26.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan’s military, condemned the attack, stating that the BLA militants had intended to target civilians and disrupt national security but were successfully neutralized. Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir visited Balochistan following the incident and vowed to “eliminate all threats to Pakistan’s territorial integrity.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack, reaffirming the government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism from Balochistan. He called for increased military vigilance and enhanced highway security to prevent similar insurgent attempts in the future.
BLA’s Motive and Rising Tensions in Balochistan
The BLA, a banned militant organization advocating for an independent Balochistan, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement, alleging that their actions were in response to the military’s operations against Baloch insurgents.
The attack fits a broader pattern of insurgent tactics in the region, where separatists have repeatedly targeted government forces, economic projects, and transport routes. Security analysts believe the highway blockade was an attempt to disrupt critical infrastructure and send a message that the BLA remains operational despite intensified military crackdowns.
Pakistan’s government has long accused foreign entities of backing Baloch insurgents to destabilize the region. The military’s response has included stepped-up counterterrorism efforts and intelligence-based operations to dismantle militant networks operating in Balochistan.
International and Regional Reactions
The attack has drawn strong condemnation from Pakistan’s allies. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement denouncing the assault and expressed solidarity with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. Other regional stakeholders have also expressed concern over rising violence in Balochistan, given its strategic importance and the risks posed to ongoing economic projects, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Security Reinforcements and Future Implications
Following the Kalat highway takeover, the Pakistani military announced an increase in highway patrols and fortified security measures in insurgency-prone areas. Checkpoints have been reinforced, and intelligence operations are ongoing to prevent further attacks and track down facilitators.
While Pakistan’s leadership has reassured the public that the situation is under control, security experts warn that the BLA’s resurgence signals potential future confrontations. The attack underscores the persistent challenges in Balochistan and raises questions about long-term counterinsurgency strategies in the province.
As the region recovers from the latest violence, authorities remain on high alert for further militant activity, emphasizing that Balochistan’s security remains a top priority for Pakistan’s defense establishment.
Sources: Verified reports from Dawn, Reuters, Associated Press, and Voice of America, as well as official statements, were used in compiling this summary. All information has been cross-referenced with reputable publications and statements for accuracy.