On September 22, 2026, the Balochistan Liberation Front's newly formed Karima Armed Assault Division (KAAD) opened fire on a Pakistani Quick Response Force convoy on the CPEC highway in Turbat, killing nine soldiers.
KAAD, named after the late pro‑independence activist Karima Baloch, was created to bring women into frontline combat. In the footage, a female commander briefed the fighters, who fired from less than five steps away, underscoring their rigorous training.
Major Gwahram Baloch, the BLF spokesperson, said the attack severely damaged several military vehicles and that the Qurban unit had helped repel Pakistani forces that attempted to encircle the fighters. He also confirmed the death of Qurban fighter Chakar Murad, alias Dileep Jan.
Pakistan's Interior Ministry announced that it would deploy a rapid reaction force to secure the CPEC corridor and prevent further insurgent attacks. Interior Minister Sarfraz Ahmed told reporters that the government would intensify security measures along the strategic highway.
The attack is part of a broader surge in militant activity in Balochistan, which has targeted the CPEC route since 2017. The corridor, valued at over $60 billion, is vital to Pakistan's economy and its ties with China.
With the military's quick reaction force mobilised, Pakistan plans to conduct joint operations with intelligence agencies to dismantle insurgent cells. The government has also warned that any further attacks would trigger a major crackdown.