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First Post
14-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Operation Baam: How Baloch resistance is shifting from symbolism to strategy
The Balochistan Liberation Front's operation was not symbolic or reactionary—it was surgical and strategic, demonstrating the growing maturity of the Baloch resistance against Pakistani domination, with vital support from local networks read more The BLF has made it clear that Operation Baam is not the culmination but the opening phase of a larger transformation in its military doctrine. (Representational image/Reuters) The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) has officially concluded Operation Baam, declaring it a historic success and a decisive chapter in the armed resistance against Pakistani occupation. From July 9 to the night of July 11, the operation swept across the length and breadth of Balochistan, targeting military outposts, intelligence networks, and economic infrastructure, leaving in its wake what the BLF describes as 'a shattered illusion of colonial control'. According to BLF, Operation Baam marked the first province-wide offensive of its kind, with 84 coordinated actions carried out across multiple districts—making it the most extensive armed campaign against the occupying Pakistani state in Balochistan to date. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Operation Baam—meaning 'first light of dawn' in Balochi—was not just a military campaign but a political and national declaration. It symbolised the arrival of a new, organised phase in the Baloch liberation movement, marked by precision, coordination, and an unflinching challenge to the occupying Pakistani state. Scale, Strategy, and Execution According to the final statement issued by Gwahram Baloch, the BLF spokesperson, the operation comprised 84 coordinated attacks across key districts of Balochistan. These included direct assaults on Frontier Corps (FC) and Army personnel, ambushes, drone takedowns, attacks on mineral convoys, and seizures of state checkpoints. At least 50 Pakistani Army and FC personnel were killed, and more than 51 others were wounded. In Musakhel, nine intelligence operatives linked to Military Intelligence (MI) and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) were killed at a highway checkpoint—an act that sent shockwaves through Pakistan's intelligence community and demonstrated the BLF's operational reach. In the Mand-Tump region alone, sustained blockades and attacks took place across Meerabad, Hothabad, Tagran, and Hairabad, including fierce strikes on military checkpoints at Balicha and Bodigdan. In Sibbi, FC and police posts were attacked, and the Red Zone MI office in Kharan came under direct fire. The Sarmachars, the Baloch militants, launched widespread sabotage operations against state infrastructure. They established over 22 strategic blockades and dozens of surprise checkpoints across Mand, Dasht, Panjgur, Sibbi, Jahoo, and Kharan, effectively paralysing military movement. In Washuk and Nodiz, they overran police and levy outposts, disarmed the personnel, issued stern warnings, and withdrew with control of the area. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Economic disruption was a central component: 25 vehicles, including gas tankers and mineral transport trucks, were destroyed or disabled. Financial targets and supply lines were deliberately hit to undercut both state authority and resource extraction efforts. Province-Wide Offensive From the Makran coast to the rugged heights of Koh-e-Sulaiman, Operation Baam unfolded with near-simultaneous assaults across a vast theatre. Fierce engagements were reported in Mand, Kolwah, Kech, Wadh, Kharan, Kalat, Quetta, Sibbi, and Naseerabad—signalling the operation's sweeping territorial span. In Panjgur, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) road—a critical artery of economic extraction—was blocked, while gas-carrying convoys were ambushed. Pakistani surveillance drones and quadcopters were shot down in Kolwah, Gwarkop, Jahoo, and Aashaal, effectively neutralising aerial monitoring capabilities. In Jahoo, army encampments in Darukoch, Doleji, and Nondara came under coordinated, multi-directional attacks. In Kalat's Kapoto, Dasht Goran, and Tok areas, five mobile towers were destroyed, severing key communication lines. In Kech district's Buleda area, Sarmachars burnt a United Bank Limited (UBL) branch to the ground and seized weapons from its security guards. Strategic road blockades, checkpoint takeovers, and attacks on police stations echoed across the region—reinforcing the BLF's presence on the ground. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Khuzdar's Wadh area, convoys transporting minerals were struck in direct assaults, and the Wadh Pali Mas central camp in Khuzdar came under heavy attack. Meanwhile, in urban zones like Quetta and Sibbi, government offices and Red Zone assets came under precise fire—showing the reach of the armed resistance into administrative centres. Statement by BLF Spokesperson In his concluding statement, Gwahram Baloch addressed not only the occupying Pakistani forces but also the Punjabi ruling elite. He declared that the occupying state can no longer maintain its writ through violence, repression, and brute force, nor deceive the Baloch nation through conspiracies, divide-and-rule tactics, or the false promises of Islamic brotherhood and parliamentary politics. The BLF accused the Punjabi political and military establishment of perpetuating a colonial project disguised by democratic illusions. The organisation holds that the reality of Greater Punjab's domination—rooted in chauvinism and fascism—has now been fully exposed. With a stern warning, Gwahram emphasised that Balochistan will no longer remain the 'goose that lays golden eggs' and cautioned that any attempt to continue the forced occupation of Balochistan would be met with intensified resistance and bloodshed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In reference to Operation Baam, the spokesperson for the BLF stated that the operation not only represents a shift in the military strategy and operational strength of the Balochistan Liberation Front but also signifies a major development in the broader Baloch national liberation movement. The spokesperson further emphasised that through this operation, the BLF has sent a direct message to the occupying state of Pakistan that the days of its forced occupation and colonial plunder of Balochistan are numbered. Amid the aftermath of Operation Baam, the BLF issued a sharp clarification regarding the same incident in Musakhel, where nine individuals were taken off two buses and executed. Gwahram Baloch stated they were confirmed military and intelligence operatives identified through prior intelligence, not civilians. He dismissed state and media claims that innocent Punjabis were targeted, calling them part of a broader propaganda campaign to discredit the Baloch liberation movement. The spokesperson emphasised that during the operation, hundreds of Punjabi travellers were stopped, questioned, and allowed to proceed unharmed—reinforcing that identity-based targeting did not occur. 'This is not an apology,' he said, 'but a response to the Pakistani army's disinformation war.' The BLF warned international media to scrutinise state narratives and reaffirmed its commitment to distinguishing civilians from occupying forces. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Popular Support Operation Baam showed more than just armed strength; it revealed an evolved national liberation strategy. This was not symbolic or reactionary—it was surgical and strategic. It showed the maturity of the Baloch resistance movement, with local support networks playing critical roles. Militants appeared with modern weaponry, used thermal scopes and snipers, carried out public addresses, and dismantled surveillance infrastructure with practiced skill. The Pakistani state's reaction, as expected, was repressive. Mass arrests, curfews, internet shutdowns, and digital blackouts were imposed. In Quetta, attacks were reported in Hazarganji, Kirani Road, and Sona Khan—including grenade attacks and bombings on FC installations. Elsewhere, BLF fighters disabled gas tankers in Dalbandin and damaged multiple mineral-transporting convoys on the Quetta-Karachi and Quetta-Sibi highways. Snap checks and public addresses were carried out from Wadh and Kharan to Kalat and Dasht, often in broad daylight, signalling the organisation's territorial confidence. In areas like Dasht, Mand, and Kolwah, eyewitnesses reported that locals greeted fighters with slogans and support, even during active blockades. Videos also appeared on social media, and the organisation's media wing uploaded footage showing people enthusiastically greeting the BLF fighters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Political Intent and National Message The symbolic resonance of Operation Baam cannot be overstated. The name, meaning the first light of dawn, now echoes across Balochistan as a declaration of awakening. The operation not only shattered dozens of Pakistani military installations but also dealt a blow to the narrative that the Baloch liberation struggle is fragmented or fading. Instead, it has emerged renewed, bold, and coordinated. The BLF's ability to simultaneously target strategic assets, disrupt state control, and directly engage with local people indicates a new phase of resistance—one that cannot be silenced through conventional repression. A Shift Toward Total Resistance With the successful completion of Operation Baam, the BLF has demonstrated a shift from sporadic guerrilla actions to organised military offensives with national significance. It's clear message to Pakistan, and particularly to the Punjabi ruling structure, is one of defiance and inevitability. As the Baloch nation continues to rise in resistance, Operation Baam stands as a historic marker. It represents not just retaliation, but vision—a vision of sovereignty, freedom, and dignity, carved out of fire and sacrifice and echoing across the hills, plains, and coasts of occupied Balochistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The BLF has made it clear that Operation Baam is not the culmination but the opening phase of a larger transformation in its military doctrine. From this point forward, even more lethal, widespread, and strategically coordinated operations will be carried out across Balochistan. As Gwahram Baloch stated, the longer the Pakistani ruling class—including politicians, intellectuals, and supporters—delays accepting Balochistan's independence and ending the occupation, the heavier the price they will have to pay. Deedag Mehr writes on Baloch armed organisations, with a focus on the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). He can be followed on X @DeedagMehr. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
The Print
13-07-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Balochistan Liberation Front says ‘Op Baam' complete after 84 attacks on Pakistani forces
According to The Balochistan Post, the BLF claims that at least 50 personnel of the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps were killed and over 51 others injured. The group further asserted that nine alleged intelligence agents were executed at a checkpoint in the Musakhel region. In a statement issued Friday evening, BLF spokesperson Major Gwahram Baloch said the attacks occurred between July 9 and July 11, targeting Pakistani military personnel, intelligence operatives, and key state infrastructure. Balochistan: The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) has claimed responsibility for a sweeping wave of armed assaults across Balochistan, declaring the 'successful completion' of Operation Baam, a large-scale military campaign involving 84 coordinated attacks over two days, The Balochistan Post reported. The BLF detailed its operations, saying it carried out over 30 direct assaults, including four ambushes, striking personnel and installations of the Pakistan Army, Military Intelligence (MI), Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), police, Levies, and Customs forces. It also reported that 25 vehicles, including gas tankers and mineral transport trucks, were destroyed or rendered unusable. The group further claimed responsibility for torching seven mobile towers, downing five surveillance drones, and damaging a government bus and a local bank, according to The Balochistan Post. As part of the offensive, the BLF said it established 22 temporary checkpoints across several strategic zones: Makuran, Rakhshan, Sarawan, Jhalawan, Koh-e-Sulaiman, Bela, and Kachhi, briefly asserting control and seizing weapons. In another statement, the BLF described Operation Baam as a 'strategic transformation' of its military doctrine aimed at 'crippling the colonial administrative structure' of what it called the 'Punjabi-occupied Pakistani state'. The statement, cited by The Balochistan Post, asserted that Pakistan could no longer maintain its grip on Balochistan 'through violence, propaganda, or the illusion of parliamentary democracy'. It denounced the state's exploitation of Balochistan's resources and marginalisation of its people through 'Punjabi chauvinism and fascism'. 'Balochistan will no longer be the provider of golden eggs to a parasitic state,' the BLF warned, adding that continued oppression would bring 'escalating repercussions'. The group hailed Operation Baam as a 'milestone in the national liberation movement', signalling what it described as a new phase of organised resistance. This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Also Read: Pakistan doesn't have enough troops for 2 fronts. It has to choose between LOC, Balochistan
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
70 attacks in 4 days: What is happening in Balochistan?
A few days after the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) announced the start of 'Operation Baam,' around 70 attacks have been carried out across the Balochistan and other provinces in Pakistan. At least four people were killed while 12 others were wounded in a bomb blast in Pakistan's turbulent southern province of Balochistan in May 2025(AFP) The Balochistan Liberation Front announced the start of Operation Baam on July 8. Since then, the BLF has claimed responsibility for 70 attacks across the region. "The Balochistan Liberation Front has announced that 80% of the objectives of its ongoing military campaign, Operation Baam, have been successfully achieved," read a press statement issued by Major Gwahram Baloch, the spokesperson for the BLF. Earlier on Friday, nine passengers were kidnapped from Punjab-bound buses and killed by unidentified gunmen. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the Pakistani government has alleged the involvement of the Fitna al-Hindustan. Balochistan's chief minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti vowed "no mercy" for the "terrorists" behind the attack. 'We will crush every single terror plan with full force, unwavering resolve, and complete unity,' CM Bugti was quoted as saying by Geo News. 'We will deal with terrorists with full force. The blood of innocent people will be avenged. With resolve, unity, and strength, we will confront the scourge of terrorism and uproot it completely,' read an official statement from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office. What is Operation Baam? Operation 'Baam' or Operation Dawn, is a series of operations announced by the Baloch Liberation Front on July 8. As per the official statement issued by the BLF, the operation marks a "new dawn in the Baloch national liberation war." "From the Makran coastal region to the mountainous Koh-e-Suleman range," the BLF has vowed to carry a series of "coordinated and multifaceted attacks against the enemy." "Operation Baam is designed to demonstrate that Baloch fighters are capable of launching large-scale, synchronised operations across vast geography.," Major Gwahram said, announcing the operation. As it continues, Operation Baam has marked the BLF's most extensive attacks in recent years. 70 attacks in 4 days Within a few hours of the launch of the Operation, the BLF had already claimed responsibility for 17 attacks in Panjgur, Surab, Kech, and Kharan. However, after the latest kidnapping and killing, the total number of attacks has been increased to 70. "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," Major Gwahram was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. The BLF's attacks have ranged across districts and have disrupted connectivity, train services and have also worked to block key sections of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which serve as a key part of China's Belt and Road Initiative. A day before the kidnapping and killing of nine passengers, a grenade attack in Balochistan's Tubat area injured five people. In a separate attack, a police check post in Sibi was also targeted by BLF forces. Leading up to the announcement of the Operation, Pakistan has also reported a series of forced abductions across its northwestern regions and Balochistan. From students to journalists, several people were abducted, especially from Sindh and Karachi. Another key BLF attack took place in March 2025 when a group of insurgents hijacked a Jaffar Express train with around 400 passengers in Quetta. A total of 64 people were killed in the hijacking and rescue operations, which included 33 militants from the BLF. What is BLF's aim with the operation? The Baloch Liberation Front has been at the forefront of Balochistan's right to autonomy. The separatist group, founded in 1964, has accused Pakistan of exploiting the region's resources and denying its people basic rights and autonomy. After independence from British India, Balochistan was declared an independent state. However, in 1948, after the partition, the region was incorporated into Pakistan. For decades, the Baloch people have sought independence from Pakistan. Citing decades of violence, forced kidnapping and human rights violations, in May 2025, nationalist leaders in the province sought independence and urged the United Nations to recognise the "Republic of Balochistan".
Mint
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Pakistan: Trains halted, internet disrupted as part of Baloch separatists' largest assault in Balochistan
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.
India.com
10-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Big jolt for Shehbaz Sharif as BLF launches 'Operation Baam' in Pakistan, attacks 17 targets near...
BLA (File) Balochistan: In a massive development from Pakistan, at least 17 attacks were reported in various districts of Pakistan, including Panjgur, Surab, Kech, and Kharan with the claimed launch of 'Operation Baam' (Dawn) by the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) of Pakistan. As per a report by ANI news agency, a series of coordinated attacks and explosions were done attacking the multiple government installations across Balochistan late Tuesday night. Media reports have said that while Pakistani authorities are yet to confirm the full extent of the damage. However, a significant disruption in the affected areas has been recorded from various reports. The reports also noted that several explosions targeted military checkpoints, communications infrastructure, and administrative facilities in the region. Why 'Operation Baam' is dangerous for Pakistan? Pakistan cannot ignore the Operation Baam as it reflects a growing insurgent capacity in the region, highlighting the volatile security environment in Pakistan's south-western region. Readers should note that the region has seen repeated cycles of armed rebellion and state crackdowns over the past two decades. What has BLA said on 'Operation Baam'? Describing the operation as 'a new dawn in the Baloch national liberation war', BLF spokesperson Major Gwahram Baloch asserted that the campaign spans from the Makran coastal region to the mountainous Koh-e-Suleman range. Highlighting the seriousness of the attack, the spokesperson also claimed the attacks were carefully coordinated to inflict both 'human and material losses' on the security forces of Pakistani . What's the purpose of 'Operation Baam'? Highlighting ongoing unrest and separatist tensions in the Baloch-majority province, the spokesperson also added that the BLF would release further details on the operation's outcomes. The recent attacks have caused a sense of panic in Pakistan as they mark one of the largest and most coordinated offensives by the BLF in recent years. The BLF has long accused the Pakistani state of exploiting Balochistan's resources while denying its people basic rights and autonomy. (With inputs from agencies)
