Islamabad: Pakistan’s second-largest naval air station, PNS Siddique, located in Turbat, faced a barrage of gunfire and multiple explosions in a recent attack.
Following the assault, heightened military activity has been observed in Turbat, with numerous helicopters conducting aerial patrols.
According to locals quoted in a report by Dawn, more than a dozen blasts rocked Turbat town, while gunfire, commencing around 10 pm local time, persisted well into the night.
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Balochistan Liberation Army Claims Responsibility
The Majeed Brigade of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has asserted responsibility for the assault on the Naval Airbase in Turbat.
In an email to journalists, the BLA’s Majeed Brigade proclaimed: “We have entered the Pakistani Naval Airbase in Turbat.”
It’s worth noting that BLA has been designated as a global terrorist organization by Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Over a dozen Pakistani personnel killed
The BLA further claimed to have eliminated “over a dozen” Pakistani personnel during the attack on PNS Siddique in Turbat.
Reports suggest that BLA has also circulated an audio clip purportedly from one of its fighters engaged in the assault on PNS Siddique, where the fighter alleges targeting multiple Pakistani vehicles, indicating a sustained and escalated offensive.
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Motivation Behind BLA Majeed Brigade’s Attack
The targeted PNS Siddique is renowned for its strategic significance and the deployment of Chinese drones.
The proscribed terrorist outfit cited opposition to Chinese investments in Balochistan’s resources as a motive for the assault.
The Majeed Brigade, executing the attack, has been vocal against China’s investments in Balochistan, accusing both China and Pakistan of exploiting the region’s resources.
Emergency Measures Taken Post-Attack
Following the assault, an emergency was declared at Teaching Hospital Turbat, with all doctors instructed by the District Health Officer Kech to report for immediate duty.
Major roads leading to Turbat have been sealed by the Frontier Corps, with a sizable deployment of personnel observed moving towards the naval airbase.
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Second Attack in a Week
The attack on PNS Siddique marks the second within a week and the third this year by the BLA Majeed Brigade in Turbat.
On March 20, the BLA targeted the Military Intelligence headquarters in Gwadar, while on January 29, the group struck Mach City.
In the Gwadar port attack on March 20, two Pakistani soldiers and eight terrorists were reportedly killed.
Pakistan’s Response to PNS Siddique Attack
According to a report by Dawn, Pakistani forces claim to have “thwarted” the terrorist assault on PNS Siddique, with Makran Commissioner Saeed Ahmed Umrani stating: “The armed men attacked from three sides of the airport boundary, but security forces responded immediately and foiled their attempt to infiltrate the premises.”
Additionally, Saeed Ahmed Umrani asserted that there were no casualties, and no individuals were received dead or injured at the district hospital.
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Pakistan Asserts ‘Six Terrorists’ Killed
“Six terrorists have been neutralized outside the Turbat airport boundary, ensuring the safety of the base,” the report cited security officials as stating.
“No loss of sensitive naval installations reported,” they reiterated.
