Balochistan suicide attacks led by women fidayeen

Suicide Attacks in Balochistan

As a wave of synchronized violence swept through Balochistan over the weekend, two women fidayeens—Asifa Mengal (23) and Hawa Baloch (24)—carried out suicide attacks targeting government offices and banks. The attacks were part of Operation Herof 2.0, led by the Baloch Liberation Army's Majeed Brigade.

The women, born into conventional lives in the restive province, turned to the BLA after losing family members in conflicts. Asifa Mengal, from Noshki, attacked the ISI headquarters on her 21st birthday in 2023, while Hawa Baloch, from the Kech district, sought vengeance for her father's death in Iran in 2021.

Around a dozen rebels participated, including septuagenarians who blew themselves up. The BLA claims over 100 Pakistani personnel died, though the provincial government disputes this number. Violence persisted into Monday, with rebels using suicide bombings and grenade attacks to disrupt security.