Pakistan second-largest naval air base attacked; Balochistan Liberation Army claims responsibility
Pakistan’s second largest airbase, PNS Siddique on the late hours of Monday came under attack by multiple explosions and gunfire, leaving one paramilitary soldier deal while security forces on the Pakistan side killed all five of the assailants in retaliatory fire.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the assault on the Naval Airbase in Turbat, citing opposition to Chinese investments in Balochistan’s resources.
“We escaped a huge loss,” said a statement from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office.
A Pakistan Navy spokesman said all five attackers were killed after they tried to break into the base.
One paramilitary soldier was also killed, said a military statement.
The BLA claims that its members have breached the airbase, where Chinese drones are reportedly stationed.
In the wake of the incident, an emergency has been declared at Teaching Hospital Turbat by District Health Officer Kech, mandating all doctors to report for duty promptly.
This marks the second attack this week and the third this year by BLA’s Majeed Brigade. Previously, the group targeted Mach city on January 29 and Military Intelligence’s headquarters in Gwadar on March 20.
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On this occasion, they struck Pakistan’s second-largest Naval airbase in Turbat.
During the Gwadar incident, two Pakistani soldiers and eight terrorists lost their lives in a clash triggered by explosions and gunfire at the Port Authority Complex.
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Gwadar port, managed by China, plays a vital role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which encompasses major infrastructure and energy projects.
Recently, there has been an increase in terrorist activities in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan’s termination of its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.
( with input from agency)
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