Karachi โ The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has identified a militant killed during an operation in Shah Latif Town, Malir, on February 17 as a senior commander of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Officials confirmed on Tuesday that the suspect, Sohail Baloch alias Gurk, played a key operational role within the group.
Militant linked to major attacks and coordination
According to CTD officials, Sohail served as a commander in the BLAโs Al-Fatah squad and allegedly masterminded multiple terrorist activities. Moreover, he acted as a coordinator, facilitating communication among militants and supplying weapons for operations.
Investigators linked him to the targeted killing of Deputy Commissioner Panjgur Zakir Baloch in Khuzdar. In addition, officials stated that he was responsible for attacks that resulted in the deaths of more than 50 security personnel and civilians.
Furthermore, authorities alleged that Sohail dispatched five suicide bombers for an เคนเคฎเคฒเคพ on the Jaafar Express. He also reportedly established illegal roadblocks to loot civilians and previously maintained ties with the Baloch Liberation Front before joining the BLA in 2022, where he rose through the ranks.
Operation details and identification process
Meanwhile, officials described the intelligence-based operation that led to his killing. Acting on information from detained accomplices, CTD personnel surrounded a suspected hideout in Malir.
Subsequently, an exchange of fire erupted between security forces and militants. As a result, four high-value suspects were killed during the operation. Authorities immediately identified three of them, while they confirmed Sohailโs identity later through further investigation.
Officials described the killing as a significant blow to the BLAโs operational network. They added that investigations remain ongoing to trace additional links and prevent future attacks.
