BLA's 'Operation Herof Phase II': Women Suicide Bombers Hawa Baloch, Asifa Mengal Used

• The banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) launched 'Operation Herof Phase II', a coordinated offensive across Balochistan, challenging Pakistan's control.
• The BLA claimed responsibility for attacks in at least 12 cities, including Kharan, Mastung, Tump, Pasni, Quetta, and Noshki, resulting in significant casualties.
• For the first time, the BLA deployed women 'fidayeen' (suicide attackers), identifying Hawa Baloch (Droshum) and Asifa Mengal as key figures.
• Hawa Baloch, portrayed as an ideological figure and combatant, fought on the Gwadar front, a strategic location for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
• Asifa Mengal, 24, from Nushki, reportedly attacked an ISI facility, with the BLA using her image to symbolize resistance and elevate women fighters.
• Analysts suggest the use of women fighters is a strategic shift to increase psychological pressure, attract international attention, and reframe the insurgency as a broader ideological struggle.

Why It Matters: BLA's 'Operation Herof Phase II' marks a significant escalation, deploying women suicide attackers Hawa Baloch and Asifa Mengal.