Islamabad, May 31, 2025 — In a major escalation of the ongoing insurgency in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province, fighters from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) have reportedly taken control of Surab city in the Kalat division.
According to initial reports, a large group of heavily armed militants launched a coordinated assault late Friday night. Eyewitnesses claim that the BLA fighters stormed security checkpoints, took control of administrative buildings, and raised their flag in the city center. Several videos circulating on social media allegedly show the group's fighters patrolling the streets, although these remain unverified by official sources.
The BLA, designated a terrorist organization by Pakistan and several other countries, has long demanded independence for Balochistan, accusing the Pakistani state of exploiting the province’s natural resources while ignoring its people.
So far, the Pakistani government has not released an official statement confirming or denying the fall of Surab. However, military helicopters were reportedly seen flying over the region, and security forces have begun large-scale operations to regain control.
This is one of the most high-profile actions by the BLA in recent years and comes amid rising tensions across the province, which has seen repeated attacks on infrastructure, security personnel, and Chinese development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Analysts warn that such developments could further destabilize the region and prompt a harsher military response from Islamabad. The global community has been urged to monitor the situation closely, as fears grow of escalating violence and potential human rights violations in the conflict zone.
