Armed militants belonging to the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) set fire to trucks carrying minerals on the CPEC road near Kalag Cross in Kharan district, threatening drivers and targeting vehicles that allegedly refused to pay extortion.
According to local sources, the armed attackers intercepted several trucks transporting minerals and forced drivers out of their vehicles before setting the trucks on fire. The militants reportedly warned transporters and contractors operating in the area against refusing extortion demands.
The latest incident reflects a continuing pattern of attacks on construction companies, transporters, and development projects in Balochistan.
In another major incident last year, a construction company’s camp located about six kilometres from Khani Cross towards Ziarat city came under attack on the night of November 10.
Around 15 to 20 armed militants believed to be affiliated with the BLA stormed the camp at approximately 9:30 pm. The attackers locked staff members inside their rooms, abducted the site foreman and set fire to heavy construction machinery.
Equipment destroyed in the attack included a grader, roller, generator, crushing plant and staff accommodation facilities.
Excavator Drivers Abducted in Dera Murad Jamali
On November 8 last year, two excavator drivers — Ashiq Ali Muhammad Hassani and Shakeel Ahmed Korai — were abducted near Notal Police Station in Dera Murad Jamali.
Their construction machinery was left at the site while the attackers fled with the workers. Authorities later launched search operations in the area.
Construction Machinery Targeted in Barkhan
On September 22, militants linked to the BLA torched road construction machinery and a generator in the Dasht area of Barkhan district.
Officials confirmed that no casualties were reported in the incident, but the attack caused significant damage to equipment being used for road construction.
Four Workers Killed in Manguchar Attack
Earlier in March 2025, armed men affiliated with the BLA attacked a construction camp in the Manguchar area of Kalat district.
The attackers opened fire on workers at the camp, killing four laborers and damaging property at the site.
Series of Violent Incidents in 2025
Several other attacks were also reported across Balochistan during 2025.
In January, militants attacked Zehri town, looting more than Rs90 million and setting a Levies station and a NADRA office on fire.
On March 2, an ambush attack killed JUI-F leaders Wadera Ghulam Sarwar and Molvi Amanullah.
On March 6, a bomb explosion in the main bazaar of Naal town killed five people and injured ten others.
In another deadly incident on May 21, a blast near Zero Point on the National Highway targeted a school bus, killing eight children and a teacher while injuring 34 others.
Development Work Faces Security Challenges
Officials say militant groups including the BLA and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) have increasingly targeted development projects and construction companies in Balochistan.
Local residents report ongoing incidents of road blockades, arson attacks on machinery, abductions of workers, and extortion demands targeting contractors involved in infrastructure projects.
Security officials say these attacks are aimed at disrupting development activities and creating obstacles for companies working on road and infrastructure projects across the province.
