Female Guerrilla Fighters: Tactical Shifts In BLA’s Strategies

On Jan 31, 2026, BLA struck multiple cities across Balochistan, publishing a video message of their commander-in-chief, Bashir Zaib, riding a Honda 125 somewhere in Balochistan. BLA called it “Herof 2.0,” referring to Operation Herof I, 25–26 August 2024.

BLA claimed that they still control many cities after 60 hours of fighting. Meanwhile, BLA released shocking pictures and videos of fighters; 4 female fighters’ pictures were released. However, it is not the first time women fighters have actively been part of major BLA operations. Before Mahal Baloch attacked Lasbela FC Headquarters with a VBIED, Shari Baloch, the first Fidayee, and Sumaya Baloch individually carried out attacks against Chinese language teachers and ISI personnel, respectively.

However, this time, women fighters fought fiercely alongside their male counterparts, successfully reaching their targets. Hawa Baloch Alisa Droshum, daughter of martyred Nabi Baksh, a former BLA militant, took part in the Gwader attack. "Come, today you will meet Baloch women fighters," she said in the video. She did not seem scared; rather, she was eager to fight Pakistan, the colonizer.

Another young female fighter's picture was released, Asifa Mengal, who attacked the ISI headquarters with a VBIED in Noshki.

More shocking pictures were later released. If I only specifically mention women, then an aged woman, Bibi Hatem Naaz, alias Gul Bibi. She was the oldest female Fidayeen in the Baloch resistance movement, joined BLA in 2015, and was injured and captured in 2016 while fighting against the Pakistan army alongside General Aslam, the first commander-in-chief of BLA and founder of Majeed Brigade. She was in the army’s torture cell for four months. Later on, she decided to join the Majeed Brigade in 2023 and was waiting for her day to become a Fidayeen. She was the second suicide bomber in Nushki and most probably carried out a VBIED attack on the army’s headquarters.

Moreover, the fourth female Fidayeen picture was released, and it shocked the audience. A couple from Buleda took part in the Fidayeen attack on a Pakistani military camp in Pasni. Following her husband, Yasma Baloch, also known as Zareena, joined the BLA. Later, both of them made the decision to join the Majeed Brigade. This was the first couple who took part in BLA missions. Fidayee Rehan and Fidayee Sumaya Baloch were also engaged, but they carried out their operation individually by blowing themselves up. However, Yasma Baloch and her husband, Waseem Baloch, took part in regular combats against the Pakistan army.

The role of female guerrilla fighters and the strategic changes in the BLA's operations have significantly altered the likelihood of future attacks in Balochistan. These changes, according to many analysts, will affect Baloch society as a whole rather than just BLA operational capabilities. Throughout the history of armed resistance, whenever female counterparts participated in guerrilla warfare, armed group recruitment and operational capabilities increased exponentially, bridging the gap between armed groups and local populations while also eradicating deep-rooted patriarchy.

Note: BLA continues to operate in many Balochistan cities; this piece will be updated as needed.