The ongoing Balochistan conflict continues to amplify after several threat actors decided to take sides amidst the ongoing insurgency between mainland Pakistan and Balochistan, indicating an apparent cyber warfare.
Among the latest development is the involvement of Ghost Security, also known as GhostSec, has come forward to support Balochistan in its fight against Pakistan.
GhostSec hackers claimed to have attacked and breached the data belonging to the Employee Federation of Pakistan.
The group posted a thread stating that they support Balochistan and will continue to launch attacks against Pakistan and its oppression of the “Ghost” country. The attack highlights the growing importance of cyber threats in today’s world, especially in insurgency and conflict.
The chaos in Balochistan
On March 15, Balochistan’s Khuzdar suffered an explosion killing two people and injuring at least seven.
According to the news updates on the incident, Deputy Commissioner Khuzdar confirmed the bomb blast at Agha Sultan Ibrahim Road in Khuzdar city adding that the vehicle was targeted through an improvised explosive device (IED).
However unfortunate, such incidents are not new to the people of Balochistan.
Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan, has been a conflict zone for decades with the uprisings demanding independence and autonomy. Though Pakistan has continued crackdowns on rebels and has called the Baloch insurgency a “low-intensity conflict” that is “confined mostly to Balochistan”, the insurgencies have only increased.
The province is rich in natural resources such as gas, minerals, and oil, making it strategically significant for Pakistan’s economy. The Baloch people accuse the government of exploiting these resources and denying them their rights. This has led to the rise of ethnic Baloch guerrillas, who have been fighting for the province’s freedom for decades.
The recent suicide bombings in Balochistan have been linked to the Baloch pushback against the China-Pakistan corridor, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for some of these attacks, including the one that killed three Chinese nationals working in Pakistan.
Moreover, terrorist attacks within Pakistan by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have further complicated the situation. The TTP has logical and moral support from the Afghan Taliban, and the two groups have intensified their attacks, particularly targeting the police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and areas bordering Afghanistan.
Ghost Security on Balochistan conflict
The involvement of Ghost Security in the Balochistan conflict is a significant development, highlighting the growing importance of cyber threats in today’s world. It also raises questions about the role of non-state actors in conflicts and the need for a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity.
While cyberattacks can cause significant damage to an organization or country, they are only one part of a broader strategy that includes military, diplomatic, and economic measures.
The Balochistan conflict highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of conflicts and addressing the concerns of marginalized communities.
In conclusion, the Balochistan conflict is complex and multi-faceted, with cyber threats emerging as a significant challenge. The involvement of Ghost Security in the conflict highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity and the role of non-state actors in conflicts.
