The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for a series of large-scale attacks across various cities and towns in Pakistan’s province. They have released images of two attackers, both of whom are women. One identified as 24-year-old Asifa Mengal.
Two female suicide attackers identified in Balochistan violence
The brutal attack resulted in nearly 50 deaths, including at least 17 security personnel. In response, Pakistani security forces engaged in a 40-hour battle against more than 140 militants, according to Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that two of the attackers were women. The banned BLA said that Mengal is the daughter of Mohammad Ismail and lives in Nushki, Balochistan. She was born on October 2, 2002, and joined the BLA’s Majeed Brigade on her 21st birthday. Mengal chose to become a ‘fidayee’ (suicide attacker) in January 2024 and targeted the ISI headquarters in Nushki on Saturday.
Pictures and video of attack found
The name of the other female attacker not revealed yet. A video has emerged showing her prior to the attack, where she mocks the Pakistani government alongside her male BLA colleagues. In the video, she says, ” PAK government only show their power over our oppressed mothers and sisters; they can’t confront us directly. It’s beyond their capacity,” while smiling broadly and holding a large gun.
She continues, “We just need to awaken ourselves; the Balochistan needs to awaken. We must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Baloch Sarmachars. The enemy’s days are numbered; they don’t have much strength.
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