The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has released a video purportedly showing seven Pakistani soldiers in its custody, days after claiming to have captured 17 security personnel during the second phase of its “Operation Herof.”

The footage appears to contradict statements attributed to the Pakistan Army, which has reportedly denied that any soldiers are missing. The video emerged as the BLA’s deadline for a proposed prisoner exchange enters its final days. 

The video, filmed in rugged terrain, depicts several men kneeling on the ground with armed fighters standing behind them. The BLA has warned that the detainees may be executed if authorities in Pakistan fail to begin negotiations by 22 February.

Video challenges army denials

The latest recording appears to show the alleged soldiers displaying their official service cards and national identity documents to the camera, disputing the Pakistani Army’s reported position that none of its personnel are in militant captivity. One emotional detainee says: “I fight for Pakistan, and today the Pakistani Army does not own me.” He asks tearfully, “How can the army say that we are not their personnel?”

While earlier reports suggested the group had captured seven soldiers last week, the new footage shows eight men in custody.

The captives appeal directly to Pakistan’s military leadership and government authorities, urging them to open talks and accept the BLA’s proposed prisoner exchange involving detained Baloch individuals.

Detentions part of ‘Operation Herof’

In previous statements issued through its media wing Hakkal, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said the group had detained 17 security personnel during what it describes as the second phase of “Operation Herof.” Ten of those captured – identified as ethnic Baloch connected to local policing structures – were released after warnings.

According to the group, the remaining detainees are regular Pakistan Army soldiers. The BLA claims to have convened proceedings in a so-called Baloch National Court, accusing the men of involvement in actions against civilians, aiding enforced disappearances, and participating in what it labels the genocide of the Baloch people.

It says the detainees were permitted to respond to allegations before what it describes as a guilty verdict was issued.

Despite this, the group insists it is willing to negotiate, granting Islamabad seven days to signal readiness for a prisoner exchange. If the government agrees, the BLA says the soldiers could be swapped for Baloch prisoners.

No official response yet

With three days remaining before the deadline, the BLA has reiterated its warning: failure to initiate talks may result in the execution of the detainees. The group argues that previous proposals for prisoner swaps have been ignored, accusing authorities of neglecting their personnel.

As of Friday, neither Pakistan’s military nor government officials had issued a fresh response to the latest video.

A long-running insurgency in Balochistan

The BLA seeks independence for Balochistan, a resource-rich region bordering Afghanistan and Iran. Several insurgent groups have fought the central government for decades, alleging that Pakistan exploits the province’s natural gas and mineral wealth without benefiting local residents.

Islamabad has repeatedly denied these claims and designates the BLA as a terrorist organisation.