Quetta, August 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Armed fighters reportedly blocked major highways, seized commercial vehicles and targeted Pakistani security forces in separate incidents across Balochistan on Thursday, according to local media reports.
The Balochistan Post reported that blockades were set up in Kalat, Mastung, Kharan, Chagai and Washuk, disrupting traffic on key routes. In Kalat, Pakistani security personnel travelling in armoured vehicles were reportedly ambushed while advancing into the area.
The report, citing local sources, said the attack may have caused casualties and material losses, although no official confirmation was immediately available.
The reported ambush came a day after Pakistani security personnel travelling on foot near Makai in the Manguchar area of Kalat were allegedly targeted with an improvised explosive device. The Balochistan Post, citing sources, claimed that six personnel were killed in the blast. One of those identified was Imdadullah, a resident of Wanda Chakri in Lakki Marwat.
In Kharan, armed fighters reportedly used heavy machinery to destroy a section of a bridge on the Kharan-Karachi highway in the Sotkagan area. Local reports said traffic was subsequently suspended after a substantial portion of the bridge was damaged.
In Chagai, armed fighters reportedly attacked trucks transporting commercial goods from the Taftan border to cities elsewhere in Pakistan and set two vehicles on fire.
The Balochistan Post also reported that two commercial vehicles were seized at a blockade in Washuk.
No group had claimed responsibility for the reported incidents at the time of publication.
The latest developments follow an announcement by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) of what it described as an “economic blockade” after claiming control over sections of highways in the region.
According to the Balochistan Post, a series of attacks have since been reported along routes used to transport oil and gas from Iran, minerals including coal from Balochistan, and other commercial goods. Pakistani security forces deployed to protect such transport routes have also reportedly come under attack.
There was no independent confirmation of the reported casualties or the extent of damage in the latest incidents.
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