BLA claims 17 Pakistan security personnel detained, offers prisoner swap for 7

(Representative Image)

• BLA claims to hold 7 Pakistan Army personnel for possible swap
• Ten detainees, mostly Levies, were released by the BLA
• BLA gives Islamabad 7 days to agree to a prisoner exchange

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The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed it detained 17 members of Pakistani security forces as part of what it described as the second phase of “Operation Herof,” according to a statement issued by its media wing, Hakkal.

The group’s spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said ten of those held had been released, while seven remain in custody with their fate linked to a possible prisoner exchange.

In the statement, the BLA said those freed were ethnic Baloch associated with local policing structures, including Levies personnel.

The organisation asserted that their release followed warnings and was in line with what it termed “ground realities” and the broader interests of the Baloch population.

The remaining detainees were described by the group as members of regular units of the Pakistan Army. The BLA said it convened proceedings in what it called a “Baloch National Court,” where the captives faced accusations ranging from involvement in actions against civilians to enforced disappearances and participation in what the group labelled genocide.

According to Hakkal, the detainees were allowed to respond to the allegations during the hearing, with evidence presented and statements recorded before a guilty verdict was announced.

Despite claiming convictions, the BLA leadership said it had given Islamabad seven days to signal readiness for a formal exchange of prisoners of war. If such willingness is shown within the deadline, the group said the seven detainees could be swapped for Baloch prisoners.

The statement also alleged that previous exchange proposals were not pursued and accused Pakistani authorities of failing to prioritise the lives of their personnel. It added that implementation of the announced sentences would proceed if no practical progress is made within a week.

There was no immediate official response from the government or the military, and independent verification of the claims remains difficult due to limited access to conflict-affected areas.

*With ANI inputs