Unveiling the Majeed Brigade: Baloch Militants Behind the Gwadar Attack           

Introduction:

• The recent attack on a complex near Gwadar Port in Pakistan has once again brought attention to the Majeed Brigade, a faction of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). This dedicated suicide squad within the BLA claimed responsibility for the assault, highlighting the ongoing conflict in Balochistan province.

Who are the Majeed Brigade?

• The Majeed Brigade operates within the larger framework of the BLA, which is one of several separatist groups in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. Established in 2011, the brigade serves as the BLA’s specialized suicide unit, named after two brothers known as Majeed Langove.

Context of Balochistan:

• Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province, is characterized by ethnic Baloch who face economic disparity and political marginalization despite the region’s resource wealth. The historical backdrop includes the forced accession of Balochistan to Pakistan in 1948, triggering a persistent insurgency fueled by economic grievances and state repression.

Majeed Sr. and Bhutto:

• In the 1970s, political tensions escalated between Baloch nationalists and the central government led by Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. The dismissal of the National Awami Party (NAP) government in Balochistan intensified the insurgency, leading to a cycle of violence and repression. Majeed Langove Senior’s assassination attempt on Bhutto in 1974 exemplifies the depth of Baloch grievances.

Legacy of Majeed Jr.:

• The mythos surrounding Majeed Langove Junior, who sacrificed his life in a 2010 skirmish with Pakistani forces, further fueled Baloch nationalist sentiment. His connection to his elder brother elevated the Langove brothers to symbolic figures within the Baloch liberation movement.

Formation of the Majeed Brigade:

• As the BLA sought to intensify its resistance, the Majeed Brigade emerged as a significant force, specializing in suicide attacks. Its inaugural operation in 2011 targeted a prominent tribal leader aligned with the Pakistan Army, signaling a strategic shift in the BLA’s tactics.

Recent Activities:

• The Majeed Brigade’s resurgence in 2018 marked a series of high-profile attacks targeting Chinese interests and Pakistani institutions, including the Chinese Consulate in Karachi and the Gwadar Pearl Continental Hotel. These actions underscore the group’s ongoing commitment to challenging both Pakistani authority and external investments in Balochistan.

Conclusion:

• The Majeed Brigade’s role within the broader context of Baloch insurgency reflects the complex dynamics of conflict and resistance in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. As the region continues to grapple with economic disparities and political unrest, understanding the motivations and actions of groups like the Majeed Brigade remains essential for contextualizing the ongoing challenges facing Balochistan.