Dhurandhar 2.0 in Balochistan? Who are Hawa Baloch and Asifa Mengal, whose attacks have shaken Pakistan Army with over 200 killed in 40 hours

A fresh wave of violence in Pakistan’s Balochistan has put two women fighters, Hawa Baloch and Asifa Mengal, at the centre of what the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) calls a decisive phase of its ongoing offensive. The separatist group has claimed that its Operation Herof Phase II ran for over 40 hours across multiple districts, leaving more than 200 Pakistani Army, police and Frontier Corps personnel dead in less than two days.

The claims, made through statements by the BLA, have added a new and striking dimension to the long-running insurgency, especially with the group openly acknowledging female ‘fidayeen’ in high-impact attacks.

What BLA says about Operation Herof Phase II

In statements issued by BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, the group said its fighters completed operations in areas including Kharan, Mastung, Tump and Pasni, while clashes were still continuing in other locations.


The BLA also claimed that its fighters were present in parts of Quetta and Noshki, asserting that the Pakistani military presence in these areas had been “repelled.”

Over 200 Pakistani personnel killed, BLA claims

According to the BLA, more than 200 personnel from Pakistan’s security forces were killed and at least 17 captured during the operation.

The group described these numbers as “preliminary and cautious estimates,” and claimed actual losses could be higher.

These claims remain unverified. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said that 17 law enforcement personnel and 31 civilians were killed in the attacks.

Who was Asifa Mengal?

Asifa Mengal was identified by the BLA as a member of its Majeed Brigade, a unit known for suicide missions.

“Asifa Mengal joined the Baloch Liberation Army's Majeed Brigade on October 2, 2023, and took her fidayee decision in January 2024,” BLA said, adding that she was killed on Friday.

The group said she carried out a “VBIED (vehicle-borne improvised explosive device) operation targeting the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) headquarters in Noshki.”

Her role has drawn attention due to the nature of the target and the BLA’s confirmation of female participation in suicide operations.

Who is Hawa Baloch?

In another statement, the BLA said that at the Gwadar Front, ‘Fidayee’ Hawa Baloch fought alongside fellow fidayeen during the operation.

The group also released a video of her final message, which it said was recorded twelve hours before she was killed.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif later said that at least two of the attacks involved women perpetrators, indirectly confirming the role of female fighters in the recent violence.

Detentions and release of local officials by Balochistan

During the operation, the BLA said it detained Noshki Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Hussain Hazara and Assistant Commissioner Maria Shamoo.

The group later announced their release, describing it as a “humanitarian gesture.” It said it does not view local civil administration and police as direct enemies unless they actively resist its fighters.

At the same time, the BLA warned that officials and police personnel who “assist the occupying army” would be treated as hostile targets.

Losses on both sides

Pakistan’s military said that 92 separatists were killed on Saturday and 41 on Friday.

The BLA also acknowledged losses within its own ranks, stating that 18 of its fighters were killed. This included 11 fidayeen of the Majeed Brigade, four fighters from the Fateh Squad and three from the STOS unit.

Why Balochistan remains on edge

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least populated province, has seen decades of insurgency by separatist groups demanding greater autonomy or independence. These groups often cite political marginalisation and disputes over control of natural resources.

The BLA is among the most prominent such groups and has been designated a terrorist organisation by Pakistan and several other countries.

While Pakistan has repeatedly launched military operations against the group, support for Baloch rebels remains strong in several areas.

As of Sunday evening, there was no detailed official account from Islamabad addressing the full scale of the clashes claimed by the BLA. With competing narratives and limited on-ground clarity, the situation in Balochistan continues to remain tense and uncertain.