Balochistan Liberation Army Claims Control of Surab City in Major Blow to Pakistani Authorities
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Armed gunmen of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) on Friday claimed to have taken control of Surab city in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, in a big blow to Pakistan’s security forces. The group said it had captured police stations, government buildings, and set up checkpoints on key roads. They also looted a bank and set several buildings and vehicles on fire.
As per a press release issued by BLA dated 30.05.2025, “The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) announced that its freedom fighters have taken complete control of Surab city this evening. Our fighters have successfully paralysed all military, administrative, and financial structures of the occupying Pakistani state.
Key installations under our control include the Levies station, the police station, and the main branch of the state-run bank.”
According to reports, the attackers looted a bank and set fire to government offices and vehicles. In the chaos, Hidayat Buledi, a local government officer, was killed while trying to save people trapped inside a burning house. Four civilians were injured in the gunfight.
The Pakistani government, however, has denied that the BLA fully controlled the city. Officials say the militants briefly took over some areas but were pushed back once security forces arrived.
The attack happened just as Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, was visiting Quetta, the capital city. This move by the BLA is being seen as a challenge to the government and military’s control in the region.
Why Is BLA Attacking Pakistan?
Baloch armed groups like the BLA have been fighting against the Pakistani government for years. Their main demands are independence from Pakistan and control over Balochistan’s natural resources.
Balochistan is rich in gas, minerals, and other resources, but locals say they’ve been left poor and neglected. Many Balochis believe that while the rest of Pakistan benefits from their land, they get no share in development or power. The BLA and other groups accuse the Pakistani army of suppressing the Baloch people, committing human rights abuses, and denying them basic rights.
This long-running conflict has led to several violent clashes, with groups like the BLA launching attacks on army posts, police, and government offices to demand freedom and draw attention to their cause.