Baloch Rebels’ Deadly Tactics: How They Target Pakistan Army Soldiers

The Baloch Liberation Army has escalated its rebellion in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, deploying deadly tactics to target army soldiers amid heightened regional tensions. With attacks like the May 6, 2025, IED blast in Gwadar that killed seven troops, the BLA’s sophisticated methods reveal Pakistan’s struggle to maintain control, spotlighting a growing internal security crisis.

Precision and Guerrilla Tactics
The BLA employs guerrilla warfare, using ambushes, sniper fire, and remote-triggered explosives to strike military targets. On May 8, a convoy attack in Turbat killed 14 soldiers via a vehicle-borne IED, as reported by Dawn. Operating from Balochistan’s mountainous terrain, fighters use drones for surveillance and encrypted apps for coordination. A March 11 train derailment in Quetta disrupted army logistics, showcasing their ability to hit strategic assets. Stolen weapons, including rifles and grenades, amplify their lethality.

Leveraging Local Discontent
The BLA exploits Baloch grievances over economic marginalization, particularly from China’s CPEC projects like Gwadar port. By portraying soldiers as oppressors, they garner local support. Propaganda on X and pamphlets spread false narratives of military atrocities, fueling unrest. A May 10 checkpoint assault in Kech, killing six, involved local informants, highlighting the BLA’s community ties. This dynamic frustrates Pakistan’s efforts to isolate the group, as villagers often shield fighters.

Pakistan’s Military Challenges
Pakistan’s army, with 60,000 troops in Balochistan, is stretched thin, especially post-Operation Sindoor. The BLA’s 2025 attacks, claiming 38 soldier lives per The Hindu, exploit gaps in intelligence and outdated equipment, like malfunctioning Chinese-supplied drones. Heavy-handed responses, including airstrikes, alienate civilians, boosting BLA recruitment. Pakistan’s labeling of the BLA as terrorists hasn’t curbed their momentum, with 12 major attacks since January.

Regional and Global Stakes
The BLA’s campaign threatens Pakistan’s CPEC ambitions and embarrasses its military amid India’s accusations of state-sponsored terrorism. Alleged foreign backing, hinted at by Pakistani officials, complicates the conflict. Without addressing Balochistan’s poverty and alienation, Pakistan risks a prolonged insurgency. The BLA’s deadly tactics demand a nuanced response, balancing security with development to restore stability in this volatile region.