Targeted Strikes in Balochistan: Understanding the Significance and Location

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, is the least developed despite having abundant resources. The name Balochistan refers to a wider area that includes parts of Iran and Afghanistan. In the past week, both Iran and Pakistan have conducted strikes across each other's borders, targeting militants in the region. Balochistan has a unique cultural and historical identity and is located in southwestern Pakistan. It covers a significant portion of Pakistan's land but is sparsely populated. The province has a history marred by insurgency, militancy, and human rights violations. Balochistan shares a volatile border with Iran and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and has a vast coastline along the Arabian Sea. The region gets its name from the Baloch tribe, which has resided there for centuries, and the Balochs are the largest ethnic group in the area. Balochistan is rich in natural resources, including gas and minerals, and plays a crucial role in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multi-billion dollar project funded by China. The project includes the development of a deep-sea port in Gwadar, which is seen as a vital checkpoint. China is also involved in mining projects in Balochistan, which has faced opposition from insurgent groups. Local groups in Pakistan and Iran have been fighting for greater autonomy in Balochistan for decades. Recent cross-border tensions between Iran and Pakistan escalated, with each side carrying out strikes targeting militants. Balochistan has a history of exploitation of its resources, which has fueled insurgency and unrest. Baloch resistance against the Pakistani government began in 1948, and insurgent activities have continued in different phases. The Pakistani army and intelligence agencies have been accused of human rights violations and enforced disappearances in Balochistan. Many people are reported missing in the province, and there are ongoing protests demanding justice and an end to kidnappings and killings. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) are the most active militant groups in the region. The BLA has increasingly targeted Chinese nationals involved in projects in Balochistan. The BLF, on the other hand, has focused on gas projects, infrastructure, and security posts. These groups operate within Pakistan but allegedly maintain hideouts in Iran and occasionally Afghanistan. Pakistan also accuses Iran of providing safe havens to these groups and claims that India financially supports factions in Balochistan. The Pakistani government has expressed concerns about joint attacks by the BLA and the Pakistani Taliban. The BLF initially fought against the Iranian government but later turned against the Pakistani state. The group sought refuge in Afghanistan in the 1970s.