Rising Violence in Balochistan: Female Militants Lead Deadly Assault
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has released photos of two suicide attackers, both women, who carried out devastating assaults across Pakistan’s largest province. The coordinated attacks, which began late Friday and continued into Saturday, left nearly 50 people dead, including at least 17 security personnel, and triggered a fierce 40-hour battle between militants and Pakistani forces.
One of the attackers has been identified as 24-year-old Asifa Mengal, a resident of Nushki. According to the BLA, Mengal joined the group’s Majeed Brigade on her 21st birthday and later volunteered to become a fidayee (suicide attacker). She was reportedly behind the strike on the ISI headquarters in Nushki, marking one of the most high-profile female-led attacks in the insurgency’s history.
The second female attacker remains unidentified, but a video circulating online shows her mocking the Pakistani government while armed with a heavy weapon. In the clip, she accuses authorities of oppressing Baloch women and vows that the “enemy’s days are numbered.”
Security Forces Respond with Heavy Counter-Offensive
Following the attacks, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti confirmed that security forces engaged in a prolonged battle, killing more than 140 militants. He stated that intelligence agencies had prior knowledge of the operation, which allowed them to mount a counter-offensive.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif acknowledged that female militants were directly involved in at least two of the attacks, a rare but significant development in the decades-long insurgency.
The attackers reportedly disguised themselves as civilians, infiltrating schools, banks, markets, and hospitals before opening fire. Junior Minister Talal Chaudhry described the assault as one of the most coordinated and deadly flare-ups in recent years.
Operation ‘Herof’ – The BLA’s Black Storm
The BLA announced that the attacks were part of the second phase of Operation Herof (Black Storm), aimed at targeting security forces across Balochistan. The group claimed responsibility for strikes in multiple regions, including Nushki, Hub, Chaman, Naseerabad, Gwadar, and Makran.
The Pakistani military confirmed that while militants attempted to seize control of cities and strategic installations, security forces successfully repelled them.
Why Balochistan Remains a Flashpoint
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but poorest province, has long been plagued by separatist movements. The region borders Afghanistan and Iran, making it strategically significant. Despite its vast reserves of natural gas, coal, and minerals, locals argue they have been denied a fair share of resources.
The BLA, considered a banned terrorist organization by Pakistan, has intensified its campaign in recent years. Analysts note that the involvement of female suicide bombers marks a dangerous escalation, signaling the group’s ability to mobilize across gender lines and exploit symbolism to rally support.
Global and Regional Implications
The attacks have raised concerns about regional stability. With Balochistan already a hub for cross-border smuggling and militancy, the rise of female suicide attackers could inspire copycat operations in neighboring regions.
Security experts warn that the insurgency’s persistence highlights deep-rooted grievances. Unless addressed through political dialogue and economic inclusion, violence may continue to escalate.
Human Cost and Emotional Fallout
For families in Balochistan, the attacks have deepened fear and uncertainty. Civilians caught in the crossfire face displacement, economic hardship, and trauma. Videos of militants celebrating their actions have sparked outrage on social media, with many questioning how young women like Mengal are radicalized into sacrificing their lives.
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External Links
- Balochistan Liberation Army – Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org in Bing)
- Pakistan Ministry of Defence
- BBC News – Pakistan Balochistan Conflict (bbc.com in Bing)
- Quora Discussions on Balochistan Conflict (quora.com in Bing)
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