Pakistan's second-largest naval airbase, stationing Chinese drones, attacked; BLA claims responsibility

PNS Siddique, Pakistan’s second-largest naval air station, in Turbat, came under attack by intense gunfire and multiple explosions.

Following the attack, military activity has been intensified in Turbat with numerous helicopters carrying out aerial patrol.

A report by Dawn quoted locals saying 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.

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 Naval Airbase in Turbat.

In an email to journalists, the BLA Majeed Brigade, claiming responsibility for the assault, said: “We have entered the Pakistani Naval Airbase in Turbat.”

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For the unversed, BLA has been designated as a global terrorist organisation by Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

‘Over a dozen Pakistani personnel killed’

The BLA even claimed that it had killed “over a dozen” Pakistani personnel in its attack on PNS Siddique in Turbat.

As per reports, BLA has also released an audio clip, allegedly from one of its fighters involved in the assault on PNS Siddique, where the fighter is heard claiming that multiple Pakistani vehicles have been targeted, indicating both a continuation and intensification of the attack.

Why BLA Majeed Brigade attacked Pakistan’s second-largest naval air station?

PNS Siddique, which came under attack, is known for its strategic importance and the stationing of Chinese drones.

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The banned terrorist group cited opposition to Chinese investments in Balochistan’s resources as one of the reasons for the attack.

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.

Emergency declared after attack

Emergency was declared at Teaching Hospital Turbat following the attack with all doctors ordered by the District Health Officer Kech to report for duty immediately.

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.

Two Pakistani soldiers and eight terrorists were killed in the Gwadar port March 20 attack.

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

As per a report by Dawn, Pakistani forces claimed to have “foiled” the terrorist attack on PNS Siddique with Makran Commissioner Saeed Ahmed Umrani saying: “The armed men attacked from three sides of the airport boundary, but security forces responded immediately and foiled their attempt to infiltrate the premises."

Also, Saeed Ahmed Umrani claimed there were no casualties and no dead or injured had been received at the district hospital.

Pakistan claims ‘six terrorists’ killed

“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.

With inputs from agencies