Pakistan Army Convoy Ambushed In Mastung: BLA's Fatah Squad Claims 45 Troops Killed

The BLA has claimed responsibility for Thursday’s Khad Koocha attack in Mastung, alleging that its Fatah Squad targeted a Pakistani military convoy transporting soldiers and later engaged reinforcements in a prolonged firefight.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the coordinated attack on a Pakistani military convoy in the Khad Koocha area of Mastung district, saying its elite Fatah Squad carried out the operation against buses transporting Pakistani Army personnel. The separatist group claimed the assault was followed by intense fighting with reinforcements sent to the area.

In a statement issued after the attack, the BLA alleged that more than 45 Pakistani soldiers were killed and dozens of others injured during the operation. These casualty figures remain unverified, and Pakistani authorities have not confirmed the claims. The BLA also said clashes were continuing at the time the statement was released and claimed the final casualty toll could increase.

According to the statement, the attack targeted buses carrying Pakistani military personnel along with their security escort before reinforcements arrived, triggering a prolonged exchange of fire. “The Baloch Liberation Army accepts responsibility for the coordinated and intense attack carried out in the Khad Koocha area of Mastung,” the group said, adding that its Fatah Squad had executed the operation.

BLA’s Press release on Khad Koocha Attack

The BLA further claimed that a detailed statement outlining operational details and alleged personnel and material losses suffered by Pakistani forces would be released later.

Earlier reports from local sources indicated that dozens of armed men attacked a Pakistani military convoy travelling through Khad Koocha on Thursday. The convoy was reportedly transporting military personnel who were on leave when it came under attack. Witnesses reported heavy exchanges of fire between the attackers and security personnel accompanying the convoy. Unverified local reports also indicated that one military coach was set ablaze during the assault.

Following the attack, Pakistani security forces launched a follow-up operation across the area while significantly tightening security. The Quetta-Karachi Highway was closed to traffic as military operations continued.

Rescue officials earlier reported that three civilians were killed and 11 others, including four children, were injured during the incident. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals, with critically wounded civilians transferred to Quetta for specialised treatment. Separate local reports suggested that at least three Pakistani security personnel were killed and two injured during the initial clashes, while other unverified reports placed military casualties higher. However, no official casualty figures have been released by the Pakistani military.

At the time of publication, Pakistani authorities had not issued a formal statement confirming either the BLA’s claim of responsibility or the casualty figures released by the separatist group. The situation in Mastung, Balochistan, remains fluid, with military operations reportedly continuing.

(Times Now could not independently verify the casualty figures cited in the report.)