The Asiapost News

Quetta, Pakistan – The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, claimed on May 30, 2025, to have seized complete control of Surab, a city in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province, in a bold operation that coincided with a visit by Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to the provincial capital, Quetta. The group described the move as a significant escalation in their decades-long struggle for Baloch independence, while Pakistani authorities labeled it a terrorist attack.

The BLA, designated a terrorist organization by Pakistan, said its fighters targeted key government installations in Surab, including a bank, a police station, and a levies station, during a three-hour operation. The group also claimed to have established checkpoints on the Quetta-Karachi and Surab-Gidar highways, effectively halting state operations in the area. “This operation paralyzed Pakistan’s military, administrative, and financial structures in Surab,” the BLA stated, vowing to continue their campaign until achieving “Baloch national liberation.”

The timing of the operation, during Munir’s visit to Quetta, was seen as a direct challenge to Pakistan’s military establishment. Munir was in the city addressing heightened tensions with India, accusing New Delhi of “hydro-terrorism” and issuing stern warnings. The BLA’s actions underscored the persistent internal security challenges facing Pakistan in Balochistan, its largest but poorest province, where separatist groups have long accused the state of exploiting resources and suppressing local rights.

Pakistani officials offered a contrasting account, describing the incident as an attack by 20–30 armed militants on Surab’s market. Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed the death of a senior district official and attributed the attack to “Indian proxies,” echoing Pakistan’s frequent claims of Indian involvement in Baloch unrest, though no evidence was provided. Local reports indicated that the militants seized weapons and police vehicles before withdrawing.

Balochistan has been a flashpoint for separatist movements, with the BLA intensifying its insurgency in recent months. The group has targeted Pakistani security forces and infrastructure, including projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The BLA’s actions reflect deep-seated grievances over resource exploitation, enforced disappearances, and alleged state repression in the province.

The Surab operation follows the BLA’s recent appeals for international support, including from India, amid escalating regional tensions. Social media posts on platforms described the incident as an embarrassment for Pakistan’s military leadership, highlighting the audacity of the BLA’s move during Munir’s visit.

The claims of control over Surab remain unverified, and the situation in Balochistan remains volatile. Analysts warn that the ongoing insurgency, coupled with Pakistan’s accusations of foreign interference, risks further destabilizing the region. Neither the Pakistani government nor the BLA provided additional evidence to substantiate their claims at the time of reporting.

This is a developing story, and further updates will follow as more information becomes available.