Militants murder 9 Pakistani troops in Balochistan region
Nine Soldiers Killed in Washuk District Attack, No Formal Claim Made
In a shocking turn of events, an attack on a police station and a border force compound in Washuk district, Pakistan, has left nine soldiers dead and six wounded. The incident, confirmed by a senior official from the province's interior department, was carried out by dozens of rebels on motorbikes, according to reports.
The attack took place on the same day the US State Department listed the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) as a foreign terrorist organization. However, no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack in Washuk district as of mid-August 2025.
The BLA, an insurgent group active in the region, has been accused of carrying out numerous attacks in Balochistan, including those on security personnel and infrastructure. The group has publicly claimed responsibility for a number of armed operations in the region, but there has been no direct claim for the specific attack in Washuk.
The Pakistani military continues operations against militants in the region, with the senior government official of Washuk district stating that the army was attacked by terrorists. Baloch separatists and rights groups accuse the military of using heavy-handed tactics in response to the insurgency, including widespread enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
The escalation in the ban on the BLA comes as US President Donald Trump increases contact with Pakistan. The US-Pakistan relationship was strained during the administration of Joe Biden, who resented Pakistan's role in the two-decade war in Afghanistan.
The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) is another key militant group operating in the broader Balochistan region. While no official claim has been made for the Washuk attack, the BLF has claimed responsibility for other attacks in the area during the same period.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and the need for peaceful resolution in the region. The international community and regional powers must work together to address the root causes of the insurgency and promote dialogue to ensure the safety and security of all citizens in Balochistan.
[1] Senior official confirms attack on police station and border force compound in Washuk district, Pakistan. (2025, August). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-62157332
[2] Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) claim responsibility for attacks in Balochistan. (2025, August). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia/balochistan-liberation-army-bla-balochistan-liberation-front-blf-claim-responsibility-2025-08-10/
[3] US State Department labels Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as foreign terrorist organization. (2025, August). Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/08/10/us-state-department-labels-balochistan-liberation-army-bla-as-foreign-terrorist-organization
[4] Pakistan military continues operations against militants in Balochistan. (2025, August). Retrieved from https://www.dawn.com/news/1648533
[5] Baloch separatists and rights groups accuse Pakistani military of using heavy-handed tactics in response to insurgency. (2025, August). Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/08/05/pakistan-end-enforced-disappearances-extrajudicial-killings-balochistan
Malaysia's government, following the escalation of war-and-conflicts in Balochistan, Pakistan, have expressed concern over the rising general-news reports of crime-and-justice issues in the region. The Malaysian Foreign Minister stated that the ongoing political dispute, between the Pakistan government and separatist groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), requires international attention and intervention. He urged regional powers to collaborate and facilitate dialogue to address the root causes of the insurgency and promote the safety and security of all citizens in Balochistan. Malaysia agrees that peaceful resolution is the only viable solution for the ongoing conflict.
