Security forces on Sunday carried out a successful intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Kech district, killing another senior commander of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), identified as Saqib Marri alias Sheeda.
According to security sources, the operation was launched on the basis of actionable intelligence regarding the presence of the militant commander in the area. During the operation, Saqib Marri was neutralized after an exchange of fire.
Security officials said the slain militant was a highly active and wanted BLA commander who had been involved in numerous terrorist activities across several districts, including Duki, Harnai, Sibi, Ziarat, Kohlu and Mach. He was also linked to cases of extortion and kidnapping for ransom.
Sources added that Saqib Marri was not only operating as a field commander but also played a central role in organizing and coordinating multiple militant networks. He had been on the radar of law enforcement agencies for a long period due to his operational reach and involvement in high-profile attacks.
The militant was also identified as the mastermind behind the attack on Colonel Laiq in the Ziarat Warchum area, an incident that had intensified security operations against BLA terrorists in the region.
Following the operation, security forces conducted a clearance and search operation in the surrounding areas to rule out the presence of any accomplices.
Authorities said further investigations were underway to trace remaining members of the network and assess the impact of the operation on militant activity in the region.
