A convoy carrying Chinese engineers and investors was targeted in a suicide bombing near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on Sunday night. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a powerful “pro-independence” Baloch armed group, claimed responsibility for the attack.
In an initial statement, the BLA described the attack as a “Fidayeen (self-sacrificial)” operation targeting a “high-level convoy of Chinese engineers and investors” departing from the airport.
Later, the BLA released a picture of the attacker, who was identified as Shah Fahad Badini. He was a member of the Majeed Brigade—an elite unit within the BLA known for high-profile suicide operations. The BLA said Shah Fahad used a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) to carry out the attack.
On Monday evening, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch provided further details in a comprehensive statement. He claimed that the attack, conducted by the Majeed Brigade and the group’s intelligence unit “ZIRAB,” killed over five Chinese engineers and investors and injured more than twelve others.
According to the BLA, at least 15 Pakistani military personnel, tasked with providing security for the convoy, were also killed in the attack. Four high-ranking officers from Pakistan’s military and intelligence services were reported to be among the injured.
The BLA said that fifteen vehicles within the convoy were destroyed by the explosion. Despite the attack occurring in a densely populated area, the BLA emphasized that there were no civilian casualties, citing “careful planning” as the reason.
The BLA accused Pakistani authorities of attempting to downplay the incident by initially characterizing the explosion as an oil tanker accident. The group claimed that this reflects an ongoing effort by the Pakistani military to conceal losses and declining morale amidst the conflict in Balochistan.
BLA: Attack in Response to “Occupation, Oppression, and Exploitation”
In their detailed statement, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch characterized the Karachi suicide bombing as a response to what the group describes as the “occupation, oppression, and exploitation” of Balochistan by both Pakistan and China.
The BLA framed the attack as a declaration that the Baloch people are resisting foreign control over their land and resources. “No matter how powerful the enemy is, we will no longer tolerate the oppression, exploitation, and occupation of our land,” the statement said.
The group accused China, in collaboration with Pakistan, of intensifying efforts to seize Balochistan’s valuable resources, such as the Reko Diq gold and copper mines, the mineral reserves of Saindak, and the strategic deep-sea port of Gwadar. According to the BLA, these resources are being exploited through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The CPEC, a multi-billion-dollar project initiated in 2015 as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, was labeled by the BLA as a “conspiracy to further enslave the Baloch and loot natural resources.” The group criticized the project as a “deadly assault on Baloch land and survival,” positioning their attack as direct retaliation against economic and territorial exploitation.
BLA’s 90-Day Ultimatum Ignored and Warning to Other Foreign Investors
The BLA reiterated that it had previously issued a 90-day ultimatum to China, demanding that it terminate its “illegal alliance” with Pakistan and withdraw all investments, projects, and military presence from Balochistan. The BLA claims this warning was ignored.
“China ignored our clear and concrete warning and continued its efforts to strengthen its grip on our resources by backing Pakistan,” said the BLA spokesperson.
Sunday’s suicide attack was described as a direct consequence of China’s alleged defiance. The BLA declared that it “will not allow any foreign power to occupy our soil” and that it has the “power to attack the enemy anytime and anywhere.”
The group accused China and Pakistan of working together to suppress the Baloch liberation movement through “aggression and cruelty.” However, the BLA maintained that their struggle for independence is “much stronger” than the “multi-million-dollar security plans and investments” of the two governments.
The BLA issued a renewed warning to China, threatening further attacks if it did not “immediately end its illegal projects in Balochistan and abandon its alliance with Pakistan.” The group stated that all Chinese economic interests, investments, and military installations would be targeted and warned that “there will be no safe haven for them on Balochistan soil.”
The statement framed the Karachi attack as part of a series of operations that began on August 11, 2018, when a “Fidayeen” attack targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers in Dalbandin. If China continued to ignore their warning, the BLA claimed it would face “the worst consequences.”
The warning also extended to international investors, as the BLA vowed to react strongly against any foreign entity that attempted to engage in economic activity in Balochistan in partnership with Pakistan.
“Any foreign investor or government that attempts to occupy the resources of Balochistan in collaboration with Pakistan will face a severe reaction,” the statement read. The BLA stressed that the land and resources of Balochistan belong solely to the Baloch people and vowed to protect their rights “at any cost.”
BLA Details “Fidayeen” Attacker and Role of Intelligence Wing “ZIRAB”
The BLA identified the “Fidayeen” attacker responsible for Sunday’s suicide bombing in Karachi as Shah Fahad Badini, a veteran member of the Majeed Brigade. The group said Shah Fahad was a 28-year-old from the Killi Badini area of Nushki, Balochistan, and the son of Mir Fazal Khan Badini.
According to the BLA, Shah Fahad joined the organization in 2019 and was known for his “sincerity and perseverance.” He completed a BBA degree at Lasbela University before becoming involved in the armed struggle.
The successful execution of the Karachi operation, according to the BLA, was made possible by its intelligence wing, “ZIRAB” (Zephyr Intelligence Research & Analysis Bureau). The organization formally introduced ZIRAB in their statement, describing it as a coordinated intelligence unit comprising professionals such as researchers, informers, IT experts, data analysts, and investigators.
Secret cells of ZIRAB have reportedly been established across cities in Balochistan, and the BLA claimed its members have successfully “infiltrated enemy establishments.” The group credited ZIRAB’s “silent and consistent efforts” with the ability to carry out attacks like the one in Karachi.
BLA Names Two “Fidayeen” Involved in Initial Phase of Karachi Attack
The BLA named two additional fighters from the Majeed Brigade involved in the first phase of the Karachi attack. The group referred to them as “martyrs” and stated that the specifics of their mission objectives would remain confidential.
The two “Fidayeen” fighters were identified as Saddam Baloch and Sohail Baloch. According to the BLA, Saddam Baloch, also known as Fareed, was from the Pasni area and had joined the BLA in 2021 before volunteering for the Majeed Brigade. He was responsible for collaborating with ZIRAB and reportedly sacrificed himself using an explosive vest to ensure the success of the mission’s first phase.
The second fighter, Sohail Baloch, also known as Baba, hailed from Khudabadan, Panjgur. He was a long-term member of the BLA, having joined in 2017, and later volunteered to be part of the Majeed Brigade in 2022. Throughout his involvement, he worked across several operational units, including the Urban Network, Mountain Front, Majeed Brigade, and ZIRAB.
The BLA said both fighters played pivotal roles in the operation and emphasized their willingness to sacrifice their lives for the “liberation of Balochistan.”
BLA Vows to Continue Struggle for Balochistan’s Liberation
Concluding its statement, the BLA reiterated its commitment to continue the fight until the Baloch nation achieves self-determination and independence. The group emphasized that it will not rest until Balochistan is free and any trace of the “occupying forces” is removed.
Describing its resolve as “unwavering,” the BLA vowed to continue fighting for the liberation of the Baloch people and the protection of Baloch resources. The group warned that no power—whether Pakistan, its allies, or any other foreign nation—would be allowed to deprive the Baloch of their land and freedom. The message was explicit: either the “occupying forces” withdraw from Balochistan, or they must be prepared for retaliatory actions by the Baloch people.
The BLA concluded with a strong commitment to what it terms a war for liberation, stating that their struggle will persist until the full independence of Balochistan is achieved. “We have started this war for our liberation,” said the BLA, “and it will end only with the liberation of Balochistan.”