Lashkar-e-Balochistan is a separatist, militant organization based in Balochistan, Pakistan.[2] Although its exact founding date is unknown, the group first perpetrated an attack in 2009.[3] Lashkar-e-Balochistan was created out of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), with the goal of achieving autonomy for Balochistan and independence from Pakistan.[4] It was declared a terrorist group in 2006 by the Pakistan government.[5] Lashkar-e-Balochistan has engaged in very little political activity since its emergence, although several news articles have mentioned the group’s relationships with foreign diplomats.[6] The group mainly engages in violent attacks targeting Pakistani military or police forces.
Although Javed Mengal is the group’s leader, very little is known about the structure of Lashkar-e-Balochistan.[7] The group uses several different tactics to raise funds, including charities and donations, kidnapping, and robbery.[8] According to the newspaper, The Nation, Lashkar-e-Balochistan has also received state sponsorship from India for their campaigns against Pakistan.[9] Indian, American, British and Israeli intelligence agencies have also been cited as supporters of Lashkar-e-Balochistan and other separatist, anti-Pakistan insurgencies, allegedly providing funding and support for the organization.[10] However, these accusations have never been confirmed. The Pakistan Ministry of Interior has banned the group and taken steps to decrease the threat they pose, including disarming the group in 2013 and prohibiting members from carrying weapons.[11] View full narrative