By our correspondent
PANJGOR In a significant counter-terrorism operation, security forces in Balochistan have killed a senior militant identified as Jamil, also known by his alias ‘Tank’, described as a “highly wanted” leader of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The operation represents a key milestone in the government’s ongoing campaign to dismantle terrorist networks in the restive province and restore stability to the region.
Jamil, a resident of Panjgor district, was believed to be a central figure behind multiple attacks across Balochistan. Security officials linked him directly to the 2022 assault on the Panjgor district headquarters, a brazen attack that underscored the persistent challenges facing law enforcement in the area. He reportedly operated as a ringleader for the BLA, orchestrating attacks targeting both security personnel and critical infrastructure projects vital to national development, including energy and transport networks.
Authorities described the elimination of Jamil as a “major success” in their counter-terrorism strategy, highlighting the importance of neutralising leadership figures within separatist organisations. The BLA has long waged an armed campaign against the state, demanding greater autonomy while accusing the federal government of political marginalisation and the exploitation of Balochistan’s rich natural resources, including gas, minerals, and strategically significant infrastructure projects.
Balochistan’s security environment remains complex and volatile, with frequent attacks on convoys, communication lines, and development projects posing continuous challenges for authorities. Government forces maintain a sustained presence in affected areas, conducting regular operations to counter militancy and protect civilian populations, yet sporadic violence continues to claim lives on both sides, perpetuating insecurity in the province.
Security analysts note that while removing high-profile leaders like Jamil can temporarily disrupt militant networks, the deeper political, economic, and social grievances fueling the insurgency remain unresolved. Persistent inequality, marginalisation, and perceptions of exploitation continue to drive unrest, meaning that targeted operations alone are unlikely to achieve lasting peace.
Nevertheless, officials assert that sustained pressure on BLA operatives is crucial to restoring stability and enabling development across Balochistan. The operation against Jamil is being presented as a key step toward weakening militant capacity, securing vital infrastructure, and demonstrating the state’s resolve to confront militancy while seeking longer-term strategies to address the province’s complex socio-political challenges.
