Balochistan has recently seen a surge in violence, with over 40 fatalities reported due to targeted attacks and militant operations across the region.
On August 26, a car bomb exploded at the entrance of a security forces camp in Bela after the vehicle rammed into the gate. Following the incident, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) released images of its suicide attackers, Mahal Baloch and Rizwan Baloch, via their official channel, Hakkal.
This marks a significant shift in BLA tactics, incorporating female operatives into their operations.
The BLA claimed responsibility for two recent attacks that resulted in the deaths of at least 31 individuals. In Musakhail, 23 people were singled out from buses and trucks and then executed. Another attack in Qalat saw nine people killed, including four police officers and five civilians.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported on August 26 that 21 terrorists were killed in response, while 14 soldiers and four law enforcement officers lost their lives.
Mahal Baloch, a law student at Turbat University from Gwadar, was identified as the perpetrator of the suicide attack on the FC camp in Bela. According to The Balochistan Post, she was actively involved in the recent attack.
In response to the attack, Pakistani security forces conducted a raid at Turbat University. Intelligence agencies searched the women’s hostel, questioning students about Mahal Baloch and inspecting their rooms.
Reports from ANI suggest that students were interrogated about Mahal Baloch, also known as Zilan Kurd, who was involved in the recent bombing.
This is not the first instance of educated women from Balochistan participating in suicide attacks. In April 2022, Shari Baloch, a 30-year-old mother, carried out a suicide bombing at Karachi University’s Confucius Centre, resulting in four deaths, including three Chinese instructors.
In June 2023, Sumaiya Qalandrani Baloch, another female suicide bomber, targeted a Pakistani military convoy in the Turbat district.