In a recent development, heavily armed militants associated with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) launched an attack on the Gwadar Port Authority complex in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The Pakistan military swiftly responded to the attack, resulting in the elimination of 8 militants. The BLA has been known to oppose Chinese investments in Balochistan, alleging collaboration between China and Pakistan in perpetrating atrocities in the region.
According to reports from Makran Commissioner Saeed Ahmad Umarani
A group of armed militants affiliated with the BLA forcibly entered the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) premises and initiated indiscriminate firing. Upon receiving intelligence, police and security forces immediately responded to the scene, leading to an exchange of gunfire. As a result of the retaliatory action, 8 assailants were neutralized.
There have been no reports of casualties among security personnel or civilians
The United Nations Security and Protection Department released a statement confirming the safety of the seven personnel from United Nations agencies stationed in Gwadar. The banned BLA, through its spokesman, Majid Brigade, claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Balochistan Liberation Army is a militant outfit known for targeting security forces and Chinese nationals. The region of Balochistan, bordering Iran and Afghanistan, has been marred by violence for an extended period.
This incident follows previous attacks by Baloch insurgent groups targeting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multi-billion-dollar project. Several CPEC projects employ thousands of Chinese nationals in Pakistan.