BLA Suicide Bombing Plot Foiled in Balochistan as Two Minor Girls Rescued, Says Minister
Security forces have foiled a suicide bombing plot linked to the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), also referred to by the government as Fitna al Hindustan, after rescuing two minor girls who officials say were being prepared for a suicide attack in southern Balochistan.
The development was announced by Balochistan Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove during a press conference in Quetta on Friday, where he presented 16-year-old Zainab and 12-year-old Fatima, whom authorities said were recovered during an intelligence-based operation.
According to the minister, the operation prevented a potentially devastating terrorist attack and exposed what he described as the militant group’s use of women and children in its activities.
Husband Killed After Refusing to Join BLA, Says Zainab
Speaking to reporters, Zainab said her husband, Saif, was approached by a local BLA commander and pressured to work for the organisation.
She said her husband repeatedly refused and was later killed.
“My husband was contacted and asked to work for them. He refused. After some time, he was killed,” Zainab said.
According to her account, she was later contacted by the same network and told that state institutions were responsible for her husband’s death.
She said she was encouraged to seek revenge and gradually persuaded to join the group.
‘We Were Being Prepared for a Suicide Mission’
Zainab told journalists that she and her cousin Fatima were taken to an undisclosed location where they remained for approximately 40 days.
During that period, she said they underwent ideological indoctrination and were told they would eventually carry out a suicide attack.
“They kept telling us that we had to take revenge. Later we realised this was wrong and asked to return home,” she said.
The girls said they were subjected to physical abuse after expressing a desire to leave.
According to officials, security forces intercepted them while they were being moved between locations and rescued them before the planned attack could be carried out.
Security Forces Prevented Major Attack, Says Langove
Addressing the press conference, Langove said the case demonstrated the extensive efforts undertaken by security and intelligence agencies across Balochistan.
“Whenever a terrorist incident takes place, people ask what security forces were doing. What they do not see are the many attacks that are prevented before they happen,” he said.
The minister described the operation as a major success and said it had averted a potentially deadly attack.
Exploitation of Minors Exposed
Officials said both girls had suffered personal family tragedies and were targeted because of their vulnerability.
Langove said several members of Zainab’s family, including her husband, had been killed, while Fatima’s father had also been a victim of militant violence.
According to officials, these circumstances were exploited by BLA operatives to recruit and radicalise the girls.
During the press conference, both Zainab and Fatima appealed to the public and the government for forgiveness, saying they had been misled.
The girls thanked security forces for rescuing them and said they hoped to rebuild their lives.
There was no immediate response from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), referred to by the government as Fitna al Hindustan, regarding the statements made during the press conference.
