Several Baloch militant groups carried out three coordinated attacks on January 30, using rockets and sophisticated weapons on security installations in Mach town, about 70 kms from Quetta in Balochistan. At least nine militants, four security personnel and two civilians were killed in the day-long battle.
The militants, belonging to the Balochistan Liberation Army, blocked the main highway and several arterial roads, setting on fire scores of vehicles. The BLA called the attack as part of Operation Dara-e-Bolan. The operation was carried out by BLA’s units such as the Majeed Brigade, Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOS), and Fateh Squad.
In response, the Pakistan Army and Levies personnel repulsed the attack by using ground troops, combat helicopters and drones. The army claims to have killed at least six militants while militant group admitted to only four deaths. The militant group claimed to have killed several military personnel but officially there has only been confirmation of one death, that of a police officer.
The internet in the area was shut down.
According to Baloch sources, militants seized several military installations, detained scores of Levies personnel before setting them free. The gun battle between terrorists and security forces continued for several hours.
Police sources said at least 15 rockets were fired from nearby mountains, which landed and exploded in different areas of Mach town. After firing rockets, terrorists attacked a camp of the security forces near the central jail and also entered the Mach railway station.. Mach city has experienced ongoing heavy explosions and gunfire. The operation has also led to substantial disruptions in transportation, notably with armed individuals blocking the NH-65 national highway near the Pinjra Bridge area. The extent of the operation now spans over a 70km radius, including highway blockades in Bolan and continued confrontations in and around Mach.