KHUZDAR: The Baloch Raji Ajoi Sangar (BRAS), an alliance of Baloch insurgent groups, has claimed that its fighters have taken control of Zehri in Khuzdar district, killing 37 security personnel in recent attacks, seizing weapons, vehicles and detaining four officials.
In a statement issued to the media, a BRAS spokesperson said its fighters launched coordinated assaults beginning August 10, targeting Pakistani military positions in Zehri, Kardgap, Surab, Mashkayn and Mastung. The group claimed that during these operations, three army personnel and one member of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) were captured.
The spokesperson alleged that on August 11, BRAS fighters established checkpoints on main highways near Zehri and ambushed a convoy of 13 military vehicles in the Zulfiqarabad area of Ghazan, using heavy and automatic weapons. According to the group, eight vehicles were hit, one truck was destroyed and two vehicles with equipment were taken into their custody.
The statement further claimed that panicked soldiers attempted to flee into fields and houses, using civilians as shields, but many were killed or wounded in the clashes. BRAS also said its fighters attacked an army post in Senkori with rockets and heavy weapons, while advancing troops from Zalkan were repelled near Spidk.
According to BRAS, the fighting lasted for two days, leaving 37 soldiers dead and many others injured. The group alleged that the military responded with helicopter shelling and drone strikes but failed to regain control. It claimed that for the past 20 days, BRAS has maintained its hold over Zehri, setting up checkpoints on key entry points.
The spokesperson also said that on August 11, BRAS fighters addressed a public gathering in Zehri and later that night attacked an army camp in Khudkocha, Mastung. Similar operations, including road blockades and checkpoint takeovers, were in Kardgap, Mastung, Surab and Kech.
The group stated that these attacks are part of its ongoing campaign, adding that BRAS has now claimed responsibility for 76 operations since August 10. The spokesperson warned that such assaults would continue until their struggle for “freedom and sovereignty” is achieved.
