Pakistan FC headquarters attack: BLF uses first woman fidayeen marking major tactical shift in insurgency

The BLF released the photo of the bomber, Zareena Rafiq aka Trang Mahoo.

The Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) used a woman fidayeen operative for the first time.

Zareena Rafiq aka Trang Mahoo was used to storm a heavily guarded complex belonging to the Frontier Corps and housing a Chinese copper and gold mining project center located in Chagai, Balochistan. Six Pakistan personnel were reportedly killed in Sunday evening’s attack. However, there is no confirmation from Islamabad.

In a statement shared on Telegram, BLF spokesperson Gwahram Baloch said the operation was carried out by its "self-sacrifice" unit - the Saddo Operational Battalion (SOB) - named after its slain commander Waja Sado aka Sadath Marri. It circulated a photograph of Mahoo, saying she detonated herself at the security barrier to clear way for other BLF fighters.

According to Times of India, Mahoo detonated herself at the barrier to allow the rebel fighters to breach the main compound. This is the first time the BLF has used a suicide bomber, a tactic exclusive to Majeed Brigade of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) which has carried out a series of attacks including the Jaffar Express hijack in the region.

According to reports, the choice of target - a complex tied to the Saindak and Reko Diq mining projects operated by Chinese and Canadian companies - also shows an evolving strategy of the Baloch rebels.

The BLA laos released a statement on the wave of coordinated attacks carried out at multiple locations between November 28-29, claiming 27 Pakistan army personnel were killed in 29 attacks.

The BLA also said it had taken control of motorways and seized weapons.

They targeted military intelligence personnel in the Jiwani area of Gwadar with a remote-controlled IED attack while they were returning after extorting money from vehicles, the BLA said.

Another attack was on the residence of a Pakistani army major in Mastung city.Six blasts were reported at defence installations in Quetta as well.