Baloch Insurgency Sees Tactical Shift with First Female Fidayeen Attack

A significant tactical shift occurred in the Baloch insurgency on Sunday, as Zareena Rafiq, also known as Trang Mahoo, executed a suicide bombing at a security barrier near a fortified center housing a Chinese mining project in Chagai, Balochistan. This operation enabled other fighters from the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) to penetrate the compound, marking a notable change in the group’s operational strategies.

The BLF spokesperson, Gwahram Baloch, confirmed the incident via a statement on Telegram. He indicated that the attack was carried out by the organization’s “self-sacrifice” unit, known as the Saddo Operational Battalion (SOB). This unit is named after its slain commander, Waja Sado, also referred to as Sadath Marri. The BLF shared a photograph of Mahoo, emphasizing her role in the operation.

Historically, the BLF has refrained from employing female suicide bombers, a tactic more commonly associated with the Majeed Brigade of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). This shift suggests a possible evolution in the insurgents’ strategies, particularly as they aim to challenge increasing security measures around critical infrastructure.

The attack resulted in the deaths of six Pakistani personnel at the Frontier Corps complex, which is linked to the Saindak and Reko Diq mining projects operated by Chinese and Canadian firms. This choice of target underscores a growing focus on disrupting foreign investments in the region, particularly those involving Chinese interests.

In a related context, the BLA announced a series of coordinated strikes across Balochistan from November 28 to 29. According to their statement, these attacks led to the deaths of 27 Pakistani army personnel across 29 distinct operations. The BLA claimed to have gained control over significant stretches of motorways and to have seized substantial quantities of weapons.

The BLA’s detailed account included assaults on a Pakistan Army Coast Guard camp in Pasni, employing multiple grenade launchers. Furthermore, they reported a remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED) strike targeting military intelligence personnel in Jiwani, describing the incident as occurring while the personnel were extorting money from vehicles. Additional attacks were noted on the residence of an army major in Mastung.

These developments reflect an intensified phase of the Baloch insurgency, with both the BLF and BLA adapting their strategies to confront the Pakistani military and foreign interests in the region. As the situation evolves, further analysis will be crucial in understanding the implications for security and stability in Balochistan.