In a brazen attack on Wednesday, heavily armed Baloch insurgents stormed the Gwadar Port Authority complex in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. In response, the Pakistani military neutralized 8 insurgents. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has been opposing Chinese investment in Balochistan, accusing China and Pakistan of collaborating to exploit the region.
BLA Militants Foiled in Attempted Attack on Gwadar Port Authority; 8 Killed in Encounter
According to Makran Commissioner Saeed Ahmad Umarani, as reported by Pakistani media, armed BLA militants attempted to infiltrate the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) premises and were intent on causing havoc. Upon receiving information, police and security teams rushed to the scene, prompting the militants to open fire. In the ensuing encounter, 8 attackers were killed.
So far, there have been no reports of casualties among security personnel or civilians. In a statement, the United Nations Security and Protection Department confirmed the safety of seven UN agency workers stationed in Gwadar. The banned BLA’s Majid Brigade claimed responsibility for the attack.
Baloch Militants Strike Again: Targeting CPEC Projects and Chinese Workers
The Balochistan Liberation Army is a militant group known for targeting security forces and Chinese nationals. Violence has been prevalent in Balochistan, which shares borders with Iran and Afghanistan, for an extended period.
This incident follows previous attacks by Baloch insurgents targeting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, with several attacks aimed at projects under CPEC, where thousands of Chinese nationals are employed.