AiBotAt least 17 people have lost their lives in a deadly attack on the residence of Shafiq Mengal, the head of the Jhalawan Awami Panel, in Khuzdar, a town within the insurgency-plagued province of Balochistan in Pakistan. The brutal assault, which continued for over two hours, also left scores of others injured.
According to reports from local authorities, the perpetrators of the attack have been identified as members of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a militant outfit seeking independence for the Baloch people from Pakistan. In a statement following the incident, the BLA claimed responsibility for the violent attack.
Despite being heavily outnumbered, Mengal’s security team put up a valiant fight, resisting the attackers for an extended period of time. Their bravery is credited with saving the life of the politician, who narrowly escaped the carnage.
Mengal, who has strong ties with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has been an influential figure in Balochistan politics. His affiliation with the party has been subject to scrutiny in recent times, sparking allegations of him receiving clandestine support from the federal government.
While the BLA has not explicitly mentioned Mengal’s ties to the PPP as a reason behind the attack, some experts have hinted at a possible connection. These analysts believe that the attack might be aimed at disrupting Mengal’s connections with the ruling party and rendering him vulnerable to BLA’s influence.
Mengal’s residence, located in central Khuzdar, was attacked late at night when the security team was largely off-duty. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire, grenade explosions, and cries for help emanating from the residence. The attack appears to have been meticulously planned and executed, as the BLA fighters managed to breach the inner perimeter of the house, sparking panic among the occupants.
The aftermath of the attack has been marred by reports of confusion, as local authorities struggled to reach the site and assess the damage. A statement released by the Balochistan Home Ministry acknowledged the attack and assured that an investigation into the incident will be launched.