Balochistan [Pakistan], April 14 (ANI): The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) stated on Monday that it has set up a naval wing and released visuals of what it claimed to be its first maritime operation in the Jiwani region of Gwadar, as reported by The Balochistan Post (TBP).

In a comprehensive statement, the group said it had created the 'Hammal Maritime Defence Force (HMDF)' as its official naval division, calling it the start of what it described as a 'national navy' aimed at safeguarding Baloch maritime territory. BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said the unit conducted its first operation at around 10:00 AM at a site referred to as 'Mil Tiyab' in the Jiwani area, where its fighters allegedly targeted a patrolling vessel of what he termed the 'occupying Pakistani Navy,' according to TBP.

The group claimed that all three personnel onboard were killed, identifying them as Naik Afzal, Sepoy Jameel, and Sepoy Umar. It further stated that its fighters 'successfully returned to their secure hideouts' following the operation. 'After carrying out operations on land, this move into maritime boundaries represents a significant and strategic shift in the BLA's military approach,' the statement said.

It further noted that the establishment of HMDF signals the beginning of a new phase in its campaign, asserting that 'the Baloch national independence movement has now reached a stage where its maritime zones will also become an unavoidable graveyard for the enemy.' The group added that the new naval force would remain prepared to 'halt the maritime exploitation of Baloch resources, disrupt the enemy's naval activities, and protect the occupied coastline.'

The BLA's media wing, Hakkal, also released a video lasting two minutes and 32 seconds, reportedly showing the attack. The footage depicts four masked fighters moving toward the sea before boarding a speedboat, according to TBP.

In the video, the fighters can be heard saying, 'As long as even one son of the Baloch exists on this land, we will not allow you to stay on this sea or this land.' They further add, 'We are ready today, we were ready yesterday, and we will continue to be ready in the future, you will be targeted everywhere,' as cited in the TBP report. (ANI)