BLA’s ‘Herof-2’ Strike Rattles Pakistan, Sparks Security Concerns for US and China

Balochistan: The recent major attack in Balochistan is again raising questions in everyone's mind as to how bad the security situation is there. The peace of the morning suddenly turned into sounds of explosions and gunfire. There were simultaneous attacks at many places, police posts, jails and government buildings were targeted. The local administration had to create an emergency-like situation; high alert was declared in many areas. This attack is considered to be one of the most serious incidents in the last several years.

According to reports, the attackers attacked security posts and government positions, killing many people. After the incident, search operations have been intensified in the area, army and police are conducting raids everywhere.

Who attacked, and what did they claim?

Banned organization Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has taken responsibility for this attack. He has described it as a big 'operation', in which attacks were carried out simultaneously at many places. BLA says this was part of their 'Hiroof' or 'Black Storm' operation, in which they caused heavy losses to security forces and also took many hostage. The number of attackers was very high, at some places even jails and police stations were targeted. Security forces are investigating these claims.

Why is this incident so important for Pakistan?

Balochistan is not only large in area but is also very important strategically. It borders Iran and Afghanistan, and has access to the Arabian Sea. The separatist movement has been going on here for a long time, and the security challenges have never diminished. After this attack, the pressure on the government has increased to bring stability quickly and stop the violence.

Can projects in China and America be affected?

Gwadar Port is the largest part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), where China has huge investments. Such attacks increase the concern of foreign investors. Many people are saying that this is a big warning not only for Pakistan but also for the international companies and projects working here.

What is the government doing next?

After the attack, the entire province is on high alert. Search operations are going on in the affected areas, additional forces have been deployed. The administration has appealed to the people not to pay attention to rumors and remain alert. Overall, this incident shows that the issue of Balochistan is still not resolved. Unless trust and security are strengthened at the ground level, the risk of such attacks will remain.