Pakistan second-largest naval air base attacked; Balochistan Liberation Army claims responsibility
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Islamabad, Mar 26: Pakistan's second largest airbase, PNS Siddique located in Turbat on Tuesday came under attack by multiple explosions and gunfire, citing opposition to Chinese investments in Balochistan's resources. The Majeed Brigade of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has taken responsibility for the assault on the Pakistani Naval Airbase.
Locals reprtedly said that over a dozen blasts were heard in Turbat town, while the firing, which began around 10 pm (local time), continued late into the night. Following the attack, military activity has been intensified in Turbat with numerous helicopters carrying out aerial patrol.
Balochistan Liberation Army claims responsibility for attack
The Majeed Brigade of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack on the Pakistani Naval Airbase.
In an email to journalists, the BLA Majeed Brigade, claiming responsibility for the assault, said: “We have entered the Pakistani Naval Airbase in Turbat.”
The BLA claimed that it killed “over a dozen” Pakistani personnel in the attack. Moreover, the BLA also released an audio clip, allegedly from one of its fighters attacking the PNS Siddique, where the fighter claimed that various vehicles were targeted.
#BREAKING: Baloch Liberation Army Majeed Brigade’s attack on Pakistan Navy’s second largest airbase PNS Siddique in Turbat of Balochistan has continued for last almost six hours. BLA claims to have eliminated over a dozen Pakistan Navy personnel. More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/ytFn5XO3J7
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) March 25, 2024
Why BLA Majeed Brigade attacked Pakistan’s second-largest naval air station?
The Majeed Brigade, that carried out the attack, is critical of China’s investments in Balochistan. It has been accusing both China and Pakistan of exploiting the resources in the region. It is pertinent to mention that PNS Siddique, which came under attack, is known for its strategic importance and the stationing of Chinese drones.
Emergency declared after attack
In response to the attack, an emergency was declared at Teaching Hospital Turbat, with all doctors instructed to report for duty immediately by the District Health Officer Kech. Major roads leading to Turbat have been blocked by the Frontier Corps and a large contingent of personnel has been observed moving towards the naval airbase.
Second attack in a week
The attack on PNS Siddique was the second in 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 and on January 29, the group attacked Mach City. The Gwadar port, under Chinese control, holds strategic importance in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and is a crucial component of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Pakistan’s response to attack on PNS Siddique
Pakistani forces claimed to have “foiled” the terrorist attack on PNS Siddique, as per a report by Dawn. It also claimed that there were no casualties and no dead or injured had been received at the district hospital. “Six terrorists have been killed outside of the Turbat airport boundary, ensuring the safety of the base,” the report quoted security officials as saying. “No loss of sensitive naval installations reported,” they added.