The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a convoy of the Pakistani army in Balochistan's Kalat district.
The group, which describes itself as a movement of freedom fighters, stated that its members carried out a remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED) attack on a military vehicle, killing five soldiers instantly and seriously wounding three others, including an officer with the rank of Major.
The BLA claimed the attack occurred in the Harboi area of Kalat on Tuesday. In its statement, the group alleged that the Pakistani army had been trying to advance into Harboi and nearby regions since March 24.
According to the BLA, their fighters targeted the convoy, forcing a retreat by the military the next day.
The Pakistani military has yet to release an official statement verifying the incident or confirming the casualties reported by the BLA. Independent sources have also not confirmed the details of the attack or the claims of a retreat by the military.
This incident marks the third significant attack claimed by the BLA since March 10, when the group asserted responsibility for hijacking the Jaffer Express, resulting in the deaths of over 100 security personnel and civilians.
The BLA also claimed an attack on a Pakistan Army convoy in Noshki last week.
Balochistan, a province rich in natural resources, has witnessed a long-running insurgency by Baloch separatist groups, including the BLA.
These groups claim to be fighting for greater autonomy and control over the province's resources, accusing the Pakistani government of exploitation and neglect.
The Pakistani state has categorised the BLA as a terrorist organisation, attributing various attacks on security forces and infrastructure to the group.
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