Quetta, Feb 1 (BVI) Even after passage of more than 35 hours, Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) continues to maintain control over several parts of Balochistan, defeating Pakistani military’s repeated attempts to regain its hold and eliminating at least 150 ‘enemy’ personnel.
BLA, in its latest statement, said its ‘Operation Herof Phase II’, launched yesterday morning, “continues with full intensity across Balochistan even after 35 hours”.
“Freedom fighters continue to have strong control over several places including Shaal, Noshki, where enemy’s military and administrative presence has been repelled,” said the statement issued by BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch.
He said the BLA fighters are still present in many areas and the occupying Pakistani forces are facing decisive pressure and defeat.
Under the ‘Operation Herof Phase II’, thousands of heavily-armed BLA freedom fighters early morning yesterday launched coordinated and simultaneous attacks, including suicide attacks, at military, police and administrative installations of Pakistan at 48 places across Balochistan.
“So far, more than 150 personnel of occupying Pakistani army, FC and police have been neutralised during Operation Herof Phase II, while military and administrative infrastructure of enemy has been severely damaged,” the BLA spokesman said.
He said the casualty figure of 150 is conservative as the Pakistani military has actually suffered much higher losses and those details would be given out at an appropriate time.
“Pakistani army has completely failed in several places, including central urban areas of Quetta, while (BLA) fighters are still present and holding their positions,” Jeeyand Baloch said.
“Operation Herof 2.0 is still ongoing. Baloch Nation is appealed to remain cautious and continue to cooperate with same spirit and solidarity as Baloch freedom fighters have been fully supported so far,” the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Noshki Muhammad Hussain Hazara and Assistant Commissioner Maria Shamoo, who were arrested by the freedom fighters yesterday, have been released on “humanitarian grounds because Baloch Liberation Army has no direct enmity with police, Levies or local civil administration”.
He recalled that Baloch Liberation Army has repeatedly made clear its policy that if police or local forces do not resist freedom fighters, they will not be harmed.
“Honorable release of these officers is practical proof of this policy,” the spokesman said.
“Wherever police have been targeted and killed, reason has been that police have stood by occupying Pakistani army and tried to obstruct way of fighters,” he added.
The BLA spokesman repeated the warning that “whoever, even a Baloch, becomes an assistant to occupier (Pakistan) and obstructs fighters, will face the same fate as enemy and will be treated like enemy. That is why police have suffered heavy casualties at some places, for which they themselves are directly responsible.
“Once again, police, Levies and local civil administration are clearly warned that if they do not come before Baloch freedom fighters, they will not be targeted and will be released with dignity like Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner.” (NVI)
