The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed it has executed seven Pakistani military personnel who were taken captive during “Operation Herof II” last month, ANI reported, citing The Balochistan Post (TBP).The BLA, an insurgent group that frequently attacks the Pakistani military to push for Balochistan’s independence from Pakistan, had captured 17 soldiers on February 14, releasing 10 of them because they were ethnic Baloch.The group had suggested a prisoner swap with Islamabad in exchange for the remaining captives. The deadline was later extended to 14 days on “humanitarian grounds.”Also Read | ‘How can army ignore us?’: BLA releases video of captured Pakistan soldiers pleading for helpIn a statement on Tuesday, the BLA said the seven individuals were members of regular Pakistani armed forces units and had been sentenced by the “Baloch National Court” for involvement in enforced disappearances, civilian abuses, and other war crimes.The statement added that during the extended captivity, the group determined Pakistani military authorities were “not serious” about negotiating their release. The BLA alleged that initial talks of a potential exchange were a “cunning manoeuvre” designed to buy time for military operations, while Pakistani forces continued using gunship helicopters, drones, and large troop deployments.According to the group, its Senior Command Council concluded that the humanitarian extension had been “misused” to escalate hostilities and target Baloch fighters. It further claimed that Islamabad’s approach showed it “only understands the language of strength and action.”The BLA stated that, following the final ruling of the “Baloch National Court,” the sentences against all seven detainees were carried out on Tuesday.The group held Pakistan’s military high command responsible for the deaths, accusing it of putting “ego, military misadventures, and cunning culture” above the lives of its personnel.Pakistani military authorities have not issued any official response to the claims.
