Islamabad — The banned separatist group Baloch Liberation Army has claimed that it detained 17 Pakistani soldiers during ongoing insurgent operations in Balochistan, releasing 10 while setting a one week deadline for a prisoner exchange involving the remaining seven. In a statement issued by its media wing, the group said the action was part of the second phase of its campaign referred to as Operation Herof. According to the claim, the 10 individuals released were ethnic Baloch personnel associated with local security or policing structures, and they were freed after being warned.

The group alleged that the remaining seven detainees were members of regular units of the Pakistan Army. It further claimed that these individuals were presented before what it described as a Baloch national court, where accusations were made against them, including alleged involvement in operations targeting civilians and enforced disappearances.

Despite claiming to have issued a verdict, the group said it was offering Islamabad a final opportunity to negotiate a prisoner exchange. It warned that if the Pakistani government failed to respond within the given deadline, further action could follow. There was no immediate official response from Pakistan’s military or government regarding the claims, and independent verification of the group’s assertions remains unclear.

The development highlights the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan, where separatist groups have intensified attacks against security forces in recent months. The mineral rich province has witnessed decades of unrest, with armed groups accusing the state of political repression and economic marginalisation. The latest claims underscore the continuing volatility in the region and the deepening security challenges faced by Pakistan amid a prolonged separatist conflict.