BLA Releases Images of Female Attackers in Deadly Balochistan Assault

The Balochistan Liberation Army has released images of two female attackers who participated in coordinated assaults across Pakistan's Balochistan province, revealing the growing role of women in the separatist insurgency. One attacker has been identified as 24-year-old Asifa Mengal, who targeted the ISI headquarters in Nushki.

The deadly attacks killed nearly 50 people, including at least 17 security personnel, in one of the deadliest flare-ups in years in the restive province.

The BLA identified Mengal as the daughter of Mohammad Ismail from Nushki, born on October 2, 2002. She joined the BLA's Majeed Brigade on her 21st birthday and volunteered as a suicide attacker in January 2024. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed two attacks involved female perpetrators.

The second woman attacker remains unidentified. A surfaced video shows her mocking the Pakistani government alongside male BLA colleagues before the assault, declaring that "the Baloch nation needs to awaken" and calling for unity against what she described as an oppressive state.

Pakistani security forces launched an intensive counter-operation, neutralizing more than 140 militants over 40 hours, according to Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti. The military confirmed it repelled attempts to seize control of any city or strategic installation.

The attacks, beginning Friday night and continuing through Saturday, targeted schools, banks, markets, and hospitals across multiple regions including Nushki, Hub, Chaman, Naseerabad, Gwadar, and Makran. Attackers dressed as civilians before opening fire.

The BLA described the operation as the second phase of "Herof" (Black Storm), targeting security forces across the province.

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest and poorest province bordering Afghanistan and Iran, has faced a prolonged separatist insurgency as Baloch groups demand independence and greater share of natural resources.