Pakistan: Trains halted, internet disrupted as part of Baloch separatists' largest assault in Balochistan

Mint

11-07-2025

Pakistan: Several parts of Balochistan were crippled in Operation Baam — the largest and most coordinated assault launched by the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), a Baloch separatist armed group.
The BLF launched simultaneous attacks across multiple districts, crippling internet connectivity, halting train services, and blocking crucial stretches of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), reported ANI.
During Operation Baam, the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) significantly exapnded its operational footprint — moving beyond its usual strongholds of Makuran, Awaran, and parts of Khuzdar.
As per ANI, the group carried out attacks in Sohbatpur, Nasirabad, Karmo Wadh, and other eastern regions, challenging long-held claims that its influence was geographically limited.
In a press statement issued by Major Gwahram Baloch, spokesperson of BLF, "The Balochistan Liberation Front has announced that 80% of the objectives of its ongoing military campaign, Operation Baam, have been successfully achieved."
It added, "So far, over 70 coordinated attacks have been carried out across Balochistan under this operation. Baloch Sarmachars (freedom fighters) have targeted state infrastructure, security forces, and Pakistan's economic interests in this strategic actions."
Earlier, Daily Sangar, a Baloch-focused online news outlet, reported that this marks a tactical shift from the group's traditional hit-and-run strategy to open, frontal assaults on military posts, police checkpoints, and strategic infrastructure.
The report by Daily Sangar also noted that Operation Baam carries more political symbolism than military ambition, sending a strong message that the Baloch liberation movement remains highly organized and geographically widespread, challenging Pakistani authority across both urban centers and remote tribal regions.
According to Daily Sangar, the offensive triggered widespread disruption across Balochistan, with coordinated attacks targeting key military and infrastructure sites.
It said, "Checkpoints and military posts in Quetta, Kech, Khuzdar, Kalat, Kharan, and Sibi came under heavy gunfire and explosive assaults. Ufone telecom towers were destroyed, while major highways--including the Quetta-Sibi Road, Kalat-Manguchar stretch, and CPEC link roads--were blocked, bringing traffic to a standstill."
The online portal added, "In Balida, a UBL bank was set on fire after evacuation, and mineral-laden trucks and buses carrying suspected ISI/MI operatives were intercepted in Musakhel, where nine individuals were reportedly executed."
"In Dasht and Gwarkop, military drones were shot down and mortar fire was launched into army camps. A Coast Guard post in Gwadar and an FC checkpoint in Moondi Cross were also attacked, highlighting vulnerabilities along the coast. Additionally, Levies posts near Dasht and Kolpur were seized, with weapons and vehicles confiscated by the BLF," said a report by Daily Sangar.
The Pakistani government has yet to issue an official response. However, security alerts have been declared across CPEC-adjacent regions, and reinforcements are reportedly being deployed to affected districts.