(Image source from: Firstpost.com)
According to local media, Pakistan's second-largest naval air station, PNS Siddique in Turbat, was attacked on Monday. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), specifically the Majeed Brigade, has claimed responsibility for the assault. The motive behind the attack stems from the brigade's opposition to China's involvement in Balochistan, as they believe both China and Pakistan are exploiting the region's resources.
The BLA stated that their fighters successfully infiltrated the airbase, which is said to have Chinese drones deployed within its premises. As the situation unfolded, Turbat experienced a surge in military activity, with helicopters patrolling the skies. Ground reports indicated that intense gunfire and explosions persisted for more than three hours. To secure the area, the Frontier Corps blocked several major roads in Turbat, while a large number of their personnel were deployed towards the naval air base. The BLA claimed that their attack resulted in the deaths of "over a dozen" Pakistani personnel. Furthermore, they released an audio clip, supposedly from one of their fighters involved in the assault on PNS Siddique, where the fighter mentioned targeting various vehicles.
The District Health Officer in Kech was immediately called into action following the recent attack. This marks the second incident this week and the third this year by the BLA Majeed Brigade in Turbat. On January 29, Mach city was targeted by the BLA, followed by an attack on the Military Intelligence headquarters in Gwadar on March 20. During the Gwadar attack, which occurred on March 20, there was a confrontation resulting in the deaths of two Pakistani soldiers and eight terrorists. The confrontation was triggered by multiple explosions and gunfire at the Pakistan Gwadar Port Authority Complex.
The Gwadar port, which is under Chinese control, holds significant strategic importance in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and is a crucial part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). According to a report from Dawn, there has been an increase in terrorist activities in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the end of a ceasefire between the government and the banned militant group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in November 2022.
