At least four persons were killed while five others sustained injuries in a bomb blast at a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally in Sibi town (Sibi District) of Balochistan on January 30, reports Dawn. The blast occurred at an election rally organised by PTI-backed candidate Saddam Tareen, who is contesting the upcoming polls from the NA-253 (Ziarat) constituency. The Islamic State Pakistan Province (ISPP) claimed the responsibility of the attack.
The fatalities in the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) “coordinated attacks” on Frontier Corps Headquarters, Railway Station and District Jail in Mach town of Kachhi District in Balochistan on January 29 rose to 15, The Khorasan Diary reported quoting Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR). ISPR statement said nine terrorists including three suicide bombers were killed and three terrorists injured. During exchange of fire, four Security Forces (SFs) personnel and two civilians also killed.
Meanwhile, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) on January 30 announced control over Mach city and its surrounding areas in Balochistan as part of ‘Operation Dara-e-Bolan’, reports The Balochistan Post. This extensive operation, involving BLA’s elite units such as the Majeed Brigade, Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOS), and Fateh Squad, has been ongoing for over 15 hours. In a media statement, BLA ‘spokesperson’ Jeeyand Baloch stated that the STOS has secured all entry and exit points around the area, employing explosive mines to deter SFs. Additionally, the Fateh Squad has taken control of strategic locations in Mach city, including the Police Station and Railway Station, to closely monitor the movements of the SFs. The BLA statement claims that a unit of its Majeed Brigade has encircled the main camp of the SFs, preparing for a prolonged engagement. “The Fidayeen of Majeed Brigade will fight till their last bullet,” Jeeyand Baloch stated. According to local journalists, the Government is completely unaware of the real situation and is sharing wrong information.