The Resurgence of BLA-Azad: A New Phase in Baloch Militancy
By Abdullah Khan
The recent militant attack against Pakistani forces in the Mangochar area of Kalat district, Balochistan, between January 31 and February 1, 2025, has brought to light an important yet overlooked aspect of the Baloch insurgency. Contrary to popular belief, this attack was not carried out by the well-known faction of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) led by Bashir Zeb Baloch. Instead, it was executed by another faction loyal to Hyrbyair Marri, a London-based Baloch separatist leader.
The Divided BLA: Bashir Zeb vs. Hyrbyair Marri
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has long been one of the most active separatist militant groups operating in Balochistan. However, internal rifts have resulted in the formation of multiple factions.
Late commander Aslam Achu aka Ustad Aslam
The faction that carried out the Mangochar attack operates under the leadership of Hyrbyair Marri and is represented by a spokesman using the pseudonym Azad Baloch. This is different from the Bashir Zeb-led faction, whose spokesperson is Jiand Baloch. Historically, the BLA-Azad faction was the main militant group loyal to the Marri tribe. However, it suffered a major setback in 2016-17 when its key commander, Aslam Achu (aka Ustad Aslam), defected along with most of the group’s commanders and fighters. The defectors aligned with Aslam Achu, leaving Hyrbyair Marri’s faction significantly weakened.
Hyrbyair Marri’s struggle to retain control over the group was largely due to his detached leadership style, as he remained in Europe while his fighters operated in the field. This created dissatisfaction among commanders, who preferred to follow a leader actively engaged in their struggle rather than one living in exile.
The Rise of Bashir Zeb and the Decline of BLA-Azad
BLA-Azad leader Harbyar Marri
After Aslam Achu’s defection, his influence grew within the Baloch insurgency. He demonstrated his commitment by sending his own son, Rehan Baloch, on a suicide mission in 2018. Later that year, Aslam Achu himself was killed in a suicide bombing in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Following his death, Bashir Zeb Baloch took over leadership of the dominant BLA faction. Under Bashir Zeb’s command, the BLA’s Majeed Brigade became infamous for its high-profile attacks, including suicide bombings targeting Pakistani security forces and economic projects. Meanwhile, Hyrbyair Marri’s faction faded into near irrelevance, carrying out only low-profile, low-intensity attacks.
BLA Chief Commander Bashir Zeb Baloch
The Mangochar Attack: A Turning Point?
The attack in Mangochar by BLA-Azad marks a significant shift in the Baloch insurgency. The scale and sophistication of the assault suggest that the faction has regained strength and resources. The group claimed that it captured Mangochar town for several hours, set a bank on fire, attacked multiple locations, blocked roads, and established checkpoints. They also claim to have stopped and killed 18 Frontier Corps (FC) soldiers in a firefight. Such an operation requires logistical, financial, and human resources, raising serious concerns about who is funding and supporting this renewed activity.
New Threats and Strategic Implications
The resurgence of BLA-Azad poses serious security implications for Balochistan. With multiple Baloch militant factions now operational, the insurgency is becoming more complex and unpredictable. The key questions that arise are whether new financial and logistical support is being provided to the BLA-Azad faction, why the group has suddenly regained operational capability, and whether further escalations will occur, exacerbating the security situation in Balochistan.
Conclusion
The re-emergence of BLA-Azad as a potent militant force indicates a potential shift in the dynamics of Baloch insurgency. For years, Bashir Zeb’s BLA dominated the scene, but the Mangochar attack signals that Hyrbyair Marri’s faction is making a comeback. This development could further destabilize Balochistan, posing challenges for Pakistan’s security forces and policymakers. The coming months will be critical in assessing whether this attack was an isolated incident or the beginning of a larger revival of BLA-Azad. If new funding and support continue to flow into the group, Pakistan’s security challenges in Balochistan may become even more complicated.
During the week of March 7–13, 2025, Pakistan witnessed a slight decrease in militant attacks, though the intensity of violence remained unchanged. A total of 15 militant attacks were recorded, compared to 19 in the previous week. However, the week gained significant attention due to the hijacking of the Jaffar Express by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a high-profile incident that unfolded over three days. The attack resulted in the tragic killing of 21 hostages — later revealed by PICSS to be off-duty security personnel traveling home — and four security forces personnel. Despite a phased rescue operation that eliminated 33 militants, the incident highlighted serious security and intelligence failures.Regionally, Balochistan saw a sharp 80% surge in militant activity, reporting nine attacks compared to five the previous week. In contrast, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) experienced a 50% drop, with three attacks, while erstwhile FATA recorded a 25% decrease, reporting three incidents. The week’s militant tactics included five targeted killings, five tactical assaults, two grenade attacks, and one each of an IED explosion, a combined suicide attack and tactical assault, and a kidnapping.Security forces carried out four counter-terrorism operations, resulting in the elimination of 12 alleged militants and the arrest of 10 […]
