A wave of women-led suicide attacks and gun battles rocked Balochistan for over 40 hours, plunging key highways and towns into chaos, as security forces launched massive counter-operations.
BY PC Bureau
February 2, 2026: In one of the deadliest escalations of the Baloch insurgency in recent years, the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed to have killed more than 100 Pakistani soldiers in a series of women-led fidayeen (suicide) attacks and coordinated operations across Balochistan province.
The multi-pronged assault, dubbed “Operation Herof” by the group, reportedly involved intense gun battles, suicide bombings, and the establishment of militant checkpoints along major highways. The operations lasted over 40 hours, triggering widespread disruption, fear, and chaos across several districts.
Pakistani authorities, however, offered sharply contrasting casualty figures, stating that 17 security personnel and 31 civilians were killed, while claiming that 145 militants were eliminated in counter-operations. Officials said security forces regained control of affected areas after prolonged clashes.
The BLA’s elite Majeed Brigade, known for its fidayeen units, emphasized the prominent role of women fighters in the attacks. Videos released by the group show female militants participating directly in combat operations, continuing a tactic that alarmed security agencies after the 2022 suicide bombing by Shari Baloch, the first female fidayeen claimed by the BLA.
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“Our highly trained male and female members are prepared to carry out even harsher attacks,” the BLA warned in a statement, describing the violence as retaliation against what it called systematic oppression and exploitation in the resource-rich province.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the attacks, accusing militants of storming civilian homes and killing innocent people, including women and children. He alleged Indian involvement, branding the militants “Fitna al-Hindustan” (Indian-backed chaos), and vowed decisive retaliation.
“This is the deadliest day for militants in decades,” Bugti said, adding that security forces were conducting extensive search-and-destroy operations across multiple districts.
The insurgency in Balochistan — Pakistan’s largest yet least populated province — has sharply intensified since early 2025, with separatist groups targeting military installations, police stations, and projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
A notable shift in the #Balochsitan’s conflict.
for the first time, Baloch women are seen living in the mountains and fighting in guerrilla warfare.
Previously their involvement was mainly limited to one time participation did suicide attacks against Pakistani troops and #CPEC https://t.co/HSGvrGo9C5
— Hammad Baloch (@Hammad_Baluch) February 1, 2026
Security analysts warn that the expanding deployment of female suicide bombers reflects a dangerous phase of radicalization, signaling more lethal and complex operations ahead. The BLA claims responsibility for over 300 attacks in 2024, including six suicide bombings, some involving women.
China has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation, given its heavy strategic and economic investments in the region. Past attacks have targeted Chinese engineers and workers.
The recent wave of assaults has also drawn international attention following reports of temporary militant control over suburban areas and major transport routes, including incidents such as the Jaffar Express hijacking.
Highways across the province remain littered with debris, while security has been dramatically tightened amid fears of further attacks.
Casualty Figures — Conflicting Claims
| Source | Security Personnel Killed | Civilians Killed | Militants Killed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistani Authorities | 17 | 31 | 145 | Includes counter-operations over 40 hours |
| BLA Claims | Over 100 (up to 130) | Not specified | Not reported | Claims military targets only; 18 hostages taken |
| Independent Estimates | 15–20 | 18–33 | 67–145 | Total deaths exceed 200 |
As tensions simmer, experts warn that the rising participation of women in militant operations may mark a new and more volatile phase of the insurgency. Pakistani forces continue sweeping operations, with no immediate end in sight to the decades-long cycle of violence gripping Balochistan.
