Multiple blasts and gunfire have been reported from the China-operated Gwadar Port Authority Complex, located in the province of Balochistan, according to Dawn. The Majeed Brigade of the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack. According to reports, eight BLA militants have been killed in the encounter.
“Eight terrorists tried to attack the Gwadar Port Authority complex today. All of them have been neutralised by security forces,” Chief Minister of Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti said in a post on social media platform X.
Makran Commissioner Saeed Ahmed Umrani told Dawn that multiple blasts and gunfire were reported in Gwadar Port Authority Complex. The report also mentioned that armed attackers ‘forcibly’ entered the Gwadar Port Authority Complex and opened fire.
The China-operated Gwadar Port in Pakistan is situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea. According to Pakistani news channel ARY News, 8 BLA terrorists have been killed as they attempted to unleash a fatal attack on Gwadar Port Authority Complex.
Following the attack and reported firing on the China-operated port, a large contingent of police and security forces reached the scene while the intense firing was ongoing.
China has raised concerns about security in Pakistan after Chinese citizens have been killed in previous attacks. Pakistan is a flagship destination for President Xi Jinping’s signature Belt and Road Initiative. Pakistan witnessed an uptick in terror activities in the past year, especially in Balochistan after the banned militant group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022, Dawn reported.
In November, 14 Pakistan Army soldiers were killed after militants attacked two vehicles of security forces in Gwadar. The military vehicles came under attack while moving from Pasni to Ormara in the coastal district. According to a security report issued by the Centre for Research and Security Studies last month, Pakistan experienced 97 militant attacks in February, resulting in 87 fatalities and 118 injuries.
The report highlighted a significant escalation in violence in Balochistan, juxtaposed with a decline in tribal districts and mainland Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Security forces foiled an attack on the Gwadar Port Authority complex and killed eight attackers, The Express Tribune reported, citing sources.
The attack on the Gwadar Port Authority Complex is a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges facing Pakistan, particularly in the province of Balochistan. Located in a strategically important region, Gwadar Port is a crucial component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, making it a prime target for militant groups seeking to destabilize the area.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a proscribed militant organization, has claimed responsibility for the attack, highlighting the ongoing insurgency in the region. This incident underscores the need for enhanced security measures to protect vital infrastructure and ensure the safety of both local residents and foreign investors.
The swift response of security forces in neutralizing the attackers reflects their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the area. However, it also serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by militant groups operating in the region.
The attack comes amid escalating tensions in Pakistan, with a surge in militant activities and violent incidents reported in recent months. The government must remain vigilant and take proactive steps to counter the growing threat of terrorism, both within Balochistan and across the country.
Furthermore, the attack highlights the broader security implications of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to connect Asia, Africa, and Europe through a network of infrastructure projects. As a key partner in this initiative, Pakistan plays a crucial role in facilitating trade and investment between East and West. However, persistent security challenges pose a significant obstacle to realizing the full potential of this partnership.
The attack on the Gwadar Port Authority Complex underscores the need for sustained efforts to address security threats in Balochistan and ensure the safety of critical infrastructure projects. It also highlights the broader security implications of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between Pakistan and its international partners to counter the threat of terrorism and promote regional stability.