BLA claims detention of 17 Pak soldiers; releases 10 Baloch men, sets deadline for prisoner swap for remaining seven
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has detained 17 Pakistani soldiers, releasing 10 while setting a deadline of one week for a prisoner swap to secure the freedom of the remaining seven. This action is part of "Operation Herof," which includes coordinated attacks across multiple locations in Balochistan, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
The BLA's statement highlights that the released soldiers were ethnic Baloch men linked to local police structures, who were freed after being warned. The detained soldiers are accused of crimes against civilians and human rights violations, including enforced disappearances and genocide allegations. A mock trial was conducted in a Baloch National Court, with evidence presented and testimonies recorded before convictions were announced.
The BLA demands that Pakistan demonstrate willingness for a prisoner exchange within seven days, potentially swapping the detained soldiers for Baloch prisoners. The group accuses Pakistani authorities of neglecting previous exchange proposals and failing to prioritize their personnel's lives. If no progress is made, the "court sentence" will be carried out, possibly escalating tensions further.
This development underscores the ongoing conflict in Balochistan, where separatist groups like the BLA continue to challenge state authority. The situation raises concerns about Pakistan's internal security and the broader implications for regional stability. While Islamabad remains silent on the matter, international observers closely monitor the potential escalation of violence and its impact on South Asia's geopolitical landscape.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/15/2026