The banned Baloch Liberation Army BLA has released the names and photographs of 10 terrorists killed during a security forces operation in Nokcha, Chagai, on August 31, confirming part of the casualties earlier reported by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The individuals identified by the BLA were Lal Baloch alias Adnan, Yasir Baloch alias Sabzo, Nisar Ahmad Hasni alias Salal, Uzair Ahmad alias Tanveer, Mir Ali alias Fayaz, Noor Ahmad Notezai alias Shaheen, Shakir alias Asmatullah, Ali Nawaz Mengal alias Faraz, Ijaz Ahmad Mengal alias Hayat and Zaheer Ahmad Mengal alias Zakir.
According to the ISPR, security forces conducted the operation after terrorists attempted to establish an illegal checkpoint on the N-40 Quetta-Taftan Highway in the Nokcha area to disrupt civilian traffic and carry out extortion.
Security forces responded to the attempt and killed 11 terrorists during the operation, while weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the area, according to the ISPR.
The BLA’s subsequent release of photographs and identities of 10 of those killed provides further confirmation of the losses suffered by the group during the operation.
The operation took place along the N-40, an important road connecting Quetta with Taftan and onward to the Pakistan-Iran border. Attempts to establish illegal checkpoints on the route pose a threat to civilian movement as well as commercial and freight traffic using the highway.
The BLA’s release identified the 10 terrorists as members of its network operating in the Chagai region. The photographs released by the organisation showed the individuals in different locations and in terrorists attire, with some carrying weapons.
The August 31 operation was among a series of actions by security forces against terrorist networks operating in Balochistan. Security forces have continued intelligence-based operations to locate militant hideouts, disrupt planned attacks and prevent terrorists from establishing control over key roads and remote areas.
The disclosure by the BLA also comes as security forces continue operations against terrorist elements across the province, including areas around Chagai and other districts bordering major transport routes.
The ISPR had earlier reported the killing of 11 terrorists in the Nokcha operation. The BLA’s identification of 10 of those killed now provides additional details about the casualties from the August 31 encounter.
