Balochistan Rebels' 'Jugaad' To Hurt Pakistan: How Bulldozers Are Replacing Bombs

News world Balochistan Rebels' 'Jugaad' To Hurt Pakistan: How Bulldozers Are Replacing Bombs

Balochistan Rebels' 'Jugaad' To Hurt Pakistan: How Bulldozers Are Replacing Bombs

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Last Updated: August 20, 2026, 17:54 IST

Baloch separatists are turning to a ‘desi jugaad’ strategy, using bulldozers and heavy machinery to dismantle bridges and disrupt Pakistan’s key road and mineral transport routes.

3 Quick Answer

In a new statement, the Republic of Balochistan" asked Pakistani security forces to leave Balochistan.

The self-proclaimed Republic of Balochistan claimed to have disrupted road connectivity and the movement of mineral-loaded vehicles in Balochistan province by dismantling a key bridge in the Kharan area, escalating their campaign against Pakistan’s control over the resource-rich region.

According to claims circulated by Baloch groups, fighters in Sotkagan, Kharan, used heavy machinery to dismantle the main bridge connecting Kharan with Karachi. The alleged operation has disrupted the movement of vehicles carrying minerals and other goods through the area.

The Republic of Balochistan claimed that no explosives or improvised explosive devices were used in the operation and that heavy machinery, including bulldozers, was instead used to destroy the bridge and create a road blockade.

Also Read | Why Balochistan Chose August 11 As Its ‘Independence Day’

Baloch separatist leader Mir Yar Baloch claimed in a post on X that Pakistani security forces were increasingly facing restrictions on their movement in parts of Balochistan.

“Pakistani forces are reportedly unable to travel by road after 6 p.m., while even during daylight hours, they are unable to remain for more than 20 minutes in Baloch areas," he claimed.

Breaking News,The Republic of Balochistan, Baloch defense and security forces obtained control over road and transportation and constructions.This is the Kharan area of Sotkagan, where Baloch fighters used heavy machinery to dismantle the main bridge connecting Kharan with… pic.twitter.com/if4y14wHrE — Mir Yar Baloch (@miryar_baloch) August 20, 2026

The claims could not be independently verified.

The reported bridge attack comes amid continuing violence in Balochistan, where separatist groups have been fighting Pakistani security forces for decades. The province is strategically important because of its mineral resources, coastline and location along major regional trade routes.

According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), 62 security personnel were killed and around 250 militants were reported killed in violence during the month covered by its latest security assessment, released on July 31.

Also Read | Balochistan ‘Declares Independence’ From Pakistan: What It Means And Why China Is Watching Closely

Separatists Claim Control Over Balochistan

The latest development comes weeks after a purported letter circulated on social media in the name of the “Republic of Balochistan", claiming that the province had declared independence and exercised control over 85% of its territory. The authenticity of the letter and the claim of territorial control could not be independently verified.

In a new statement, the Republic of Balochistan" asked Pakistani security forces to leave Balochistan, alleging that the Pakistan Army was illegally stationed in the province and exploiting its natural resources.

The statement also called on the international community to recognise Balochistan as an independent country and urged Pakistan to withdraw its military and security forces from the region.

Republic of Balochistan Ultimatum to Pakistan: Pull Back All Forces from Baloch Soil Now19 August, 2026 The Republic of Balochistan once again reminds all Pakistani forces to leave Balochistan, because as an independent country, Balochistan possesses every legal and moral… pic.twitter.com/QNBkChkl70 — Mir Yar Baloch (@miryar_baloch) August 18, 2026

The group further claimed that Pakistani military personnel and other non-Baloch officials working in the Army, Frontier Corps, police and other security institutions should leave the province and surrender military equipment to Baloch forces.

The statement accused Islamabad of conducting a campaign of repression and exploiting Balochistan’s mineral resources, while warning that continued military operations would further intensify the conflict.

The separatist group also drew parallels with the 1971 Bangladesh war and claimed that Pakistan would eventually be forced to withdraw from Balochistan.

The claims come against the backdrop of a long-running insurgency in Balochistan, where several armed separatist organisations have carried out attacks on Pakistani security forces, infrastructure and Chinese interests.

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Key Questions Answered Powered by Ask News18 Will Balochistan's independence claims gain international support? Balochistan's independence claims have not yet received international recognition, and no country currently recognises it as an independent state. While Baloch groups have appealed for global recognition, transforming a declaration of independence into a recognised sovereign nation is challenging and depends on geopolitics as much as legal rules. Recognition by other countries and eventual UN membership would be significant hurdles. How might this conflict impact regional trade routes? The conflict in Balochistan, where rebels are dismantling bridges and disrupting key road and mineral transport routes, could disrupt major regional trade routes. This includes routes for overland trade into Iran, which Pakistan opened to bypass crippled maritime routes in the Persian Gulf. Could Pakistan face another 1971-like situation? Baloch separatist leaders have issued an ultimatum to Pakistan, demanding the withdrawal of all military and security forces from Balochistan and comparing the situation to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. They claim that Pakistan would be forced to withdraw from Balochistan, similar to how it lost Bangladesh. The separatists have also called on the international community to recognise Balochistan as an independent country. Powered by Ask News18

About the Author Saurabh Verma Chief Sub-Editor Saurabh Verma is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, specializing in Indian politics, national current affairs, and breaking global news. With years of experience tracking power shifts, election strateg... Read More

First Published: August 20, 2026, 17:47 IST

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