Quetta, February 6: The media wing of the Pakistan Army, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), has once again labeled recent events as a “victory for security forces,” despite the embarrassment they entail. According to a report, what is being hailed as a triumph in Balochistan is, in fact, a significant intelligence failure by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and military, as they failed to detect the activities of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in a timely manner.
A report published in Eurasia Review states that on January 30, the BLA launched “Operation Heroof 2.0,” targeting law enforcement agencies and security forces in several cities across nine districts of Balochistan.
Retired Indian Army officer Nilesh Kunwar noted that a large-scale operation involving hundreds of fighters required extensive coordination through electronic means, as well as significant movement and gathering of BLA cadres prior to the attacks. The failure of the ISI and military to recognize these signs represents a serious intelligence lapse. He raised the question of who dares to challenge the military in Pakistan.
The report highlights that Operation Heroof 2.0 showcased the BLA fighters’ determination and readiness to embrace death. It also mentioned the participation of female Baloch fighters in the campaign. Instead of employing a “hit and run” strategy, the BLA took control of populated areas and fought until the end. Footage from the region showed civilians mingling with and supporting BLA fighters, challenging the Pakistani military’s claim that Baloch armed groups terrorize civilians.
Nilesh Kunwar questioned whether Field Marshal Munir, the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), should answer several tough questions. If the Pakistani military asserts that the people of Balochistan are with them and not with the armed Baloch groups, why are they unable to control these groups? If armed groups intimidate locals, how can the video footage released by the BLA, showing civilians openly interacting with them, be explained?
He also asked how the BLA could conduct such a large-scale operation when Munir publicly stated, “We will soon give a strong response to these [Baloch] terrorists.” Furthermore, if the Pakistani leadership’s accusations of armed Baloch groups receiving support from New Delhi are true, why does the ISI, which claims to be the world’s best intelligence agency, appear helpless in breaking this alleged link?
