Balochistan Liberation Army

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Balochistan Liberation Army
Participant in Balochistan conflict
Flag of the Balochistan Liberation Army.svg
Flag of the Baluchistan Liberation Army
Active
Ideology Baloch nationalism
Leaders Hyrbyair Marri[1]

Khair Bakhsh Marri[2]

Area of
operations
Balochistan, Pakistan
Afghanistan[3]
Strength 500[3]
Allies Baloch Liberation Front, Baloch Republican Army, Lashkar-e-Balochistan, Balochistan Liberation United Front, BSO (Azad)
Opponents  Pakistan
 Iran
Battles/wars Balochistan Conflict

The Balochistan Liberation Army (also Baloch Liberation Army or Balochistan Liberation Army) (BLA) are a separatist[4] militant group based in Balochistan, a mountainous region of Pakistan. The Baloch Liberation Army became publicly known during the summer of 2000, after it claimed credit for a series of bombings of attacks on Pakistani authorities in response to the alleged mistreatment and neglect of the Baloch province in Pakistan.

The group is currently headed by Hyrbyair Marri and has an estimated strength of 500 fighters.[3]

Declaration as a terrorist organisation [edit]

The Balochistan Liberation Army was declared a terrorist organisation in Pakistan in April 2006, after a series of attacks conducted by the group targeting security personnel, civilians and journalists.[3] On 17 July 2006, the government of the United Kingdom listed the BLA as a proscribed group per the Terrorism Act 2000.[5] As a result of this designation, any person associated with the organization is barred from entering the United Kingdom.[6] The group's actions have also been described as terrorism by the United States Department of State.[7]

References [edit]