Description: The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has conducted a militant hijacking operation in the town of Mashkaf, southwestern Pakistan and clashed with Pakistani security forces. According to the latest reports the BLA have kidnapped more than 100 civilians and eliminated approximately 38 Pakistani security forces. The militant group gave Pakistani authorities a 48 – hour deadline to agree to a hostage exchange. BLA has been active for the past 20 years as it escalated militant operations in the southwestern parts of Pakistan which were rich with rare earth minerals and under Chinese company concessions. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan and India for supporting the movement in order to curb their partnership with China.
Impact: The BLA has enlarged the scope of their activities in the last couple of months, which culminated with the train hijacking. Pakistan has had difficulties countering the insurgency movement as they accused neighboring Afghanistan and India for supporting the BLA in order to cripple the China – Pakistan mining partnership in the region. With rescue operations ongoing, Pakistan’s lack of capabilities to counter the separatist movement could further destabilize the country as the BLA is expected to elevate operational preparedness in the upcoming months and further endanger the security situation in the southwestern parts of the country. Pakistan would aim at further pressuring the BLA militarily as key resources which are under the multi – billion investment plan labeled the China Pakistan Economic Corridor.