The recent escalation between banned militant groups operating in Balochistan—the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF)—has once again brought their internal rift into the spotlight. While the latest exchange of statements has intensified tensions, analysts note that this conflict is not new but rather a continuation of long-standing internal divisions that have existed for years.
BLA Press Release Raises Serious Allegations
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA-Azad) issued a detailed press release in response to a statement by the BLF, issued on 28 December 2025 , raising serious concerns over the group’s internal policies and the role of certain individuals.
In its statement, the BLA accused the BLF of supporting individuals it claims are linked to state institutions. The press release specifically named Abdul Baqi alias Loong and Suleman alias Saddam, alleging their involvement in activities such as informant operations, forced surrenders, financial misconduct, and facilitation of military actions.
The BLA further claimed that Abdul Baqi had been arrested, tried in an internal organizational court, and executed. It described support for him by certain BLF leaders as “surprising.”
Additionally, the group claimed to have released an audio recording as evidence, in which a BLF commander can be heard discussing Abdul Baqi. According to the BLA, the recording shows that some BLF members were already aware of his links. However, these claims remain independently unverified.
Recent statements from both groups include serious accusations of each other being “state agents,” reflecting a growing breakdown of trust. The exchange of such allegations highlights internal fractures within militant networks that claim to pursue similar objectives.
Observers say that when groups with aligned goals begin accusing each other in such terms, it signals deeper structural and trust issues within their ranks.
Claims of Internal Killings
Former commander Sarfraz Bangalzai has, in multiple interviews, claimed that suspicion within these organizations often leads to internal violence. According to him, fighters are sometimes killed by their own groups rather than by opposing forces.
He stated that within such groups, suspicion itself can become a death sentence, and even loyalty does not guarantee safety. While these claims provide insight into internal dynamics, they have not been independently verified.
Power Struggles Beyond Ideology
The ongoing conflict is not solely ideological. It also reflects competition over territory, influence, and resources. Disputes over resource distribution have historically contributed to internal clashes within militant organizations.
Some observers also point to differences in organizational structure and social composition. The BLA leadership is often associated with tribal elites, while the BLF is believed to include members from relatively middle and lower socio-economic backgrounds. This divide, analysts suggest, may be contributing to rising tensions.
Limited Space for Dissent
Former members of various factions, including the United Baloch Army (UBA), have indicated that dissent within such organizations is often not tolerated and may be suppressed forcefully.
The BLA has also been described as having a dismissive approach toward smaller groups such as the Baloch Republican Army (BRA), with critics claiming that even the legacy of figures like Akbar Bugti is not given significant weight.
Informer Networks and Internal Threats
Incidents involving targeted killings of commanders through “informer networks” suggest that internal intelligence is being used against rival factions. This has raised concerns about infiltration and internal leaks within these groups.
For lower-level fighters, the risks appear to be increasingly internal. In such an environment, today’s ally can quickly become tomorrow’s accuser.
The situation also raises broader questions about how many individuals in the past have been labeled as “traitors” and eliminated, and how many may have been innocent.
The latest BLA-BLF dispute underscores deeper issues within militant networks in Balochistan, including mistrust, internal divisions, and competition for control. As tensions continue, the evolving dynamics may have significant implications for the structure and direction of these groups.
