New Delhi: Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group operating in Balochistan, has taken a major step forward on the battlefield and announced its first aerial and drone warfare unit “QAHR” (Qazi Aero Hive Rangers) has officially become operational. The organization has said that this technologically advanced unit is its new era, which along with traditional ground-based attacks, will now play an active role in air combat and drone-based missions.
What is the QAHR unit and what is its stated purpose?
BLA issued a statement saying that QAHR is a modern air and drone warfare unit centered on advanced technology, drone operations, aerial surveillance and remote strike capabilities. According to the group, the unit is considered to be the result of the vision and technical vision of senior commander Abdul Basit Zahari, also known as “Qazi”.
Has QAHR already operated?
The BLA claims that QAHR carried out its first activities during “Operation Hereof 2.0”. In this operation, the organization carried out drone-based attacks on Pakistan’s Gwadar Port and surrounding structures, including targeting military installations, port facilities and communication networks. However, the claims of these attacks have not been independently verified.
What footage was released during the unit’s announcement?
While announcing the readiness of QAHR, BLA also made public a video of about two minutes and some photographs. The video shows two BLA members testing a drone in a mountainous area and then purportedly shows drone activity over the Gwadar area, which is being linked to the outfit’s operation.
Why did the organization take this step?
BLA said that modern warfare is no longer limited to land only, but new domains like air and cyber have also become part of warfare. Therefore, it is necessary to develop modern air and drone units like QAHR so that they can easily reach the sensitive areas of the enemy, conduct surveillance and carry out more comprehensive strikes.
How might this change affect the security situation in the region?
Analysts believe that if the BLA’s claims are true, it would be a major move from traditional guerrilla warfare to technological and air warfare tactics. Drone-based attacks could pose a new challenge to security agencies, especially in areas where mostly ground-based attacks have been seen in the past.
What is the reaction of Pakistani officials?
Till now, no detailed official statement has come from Pakistan on this claim. Security experts say responses to such issues often come late, especially when independent verification of information and claims is difficult.
What will be QAHR’s contribution in the future?
BLA has clarified that QAHR will not be limited to attacks only. The organization says that this unit will also be used for further information collection, aerial surveillance, communication support and coordination between ground forces. This group is trying to strengthen its fight on both technical and strategic fronts.
What does this mean in a local and global context?
Separatism and insurgency have been part of the long-running conflict in Balochistan. Adoption of new technologies by groups like Bala could change the local security landscape, impacting not only the Pakistani military but also regional stability. Such claims once again reflect the enormous technological advancement of the regional organizations’ strategy.
