Attack strikes Pakistan's second-largest naval air station in Turbat

PTC News Desk: Reports emerged on Monday of an assault on Pakistan's second-largest naval air station, PNS Siddique, located in Turbat. According to local media, the Majeed Brigade of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The BLA, critical of Chinese investments in Balochistan, has accused both China and Pakistan of exploiting the region's resources. Allegedly, BLA fighters managed to infiltrate the airbase, where Chinese drones are reportedly deployed. As the situation escalated, Turbat witnessed heightened military activity, with helicopters patrolling the skies and reports of heavy gunfire and explosions persisting for over three hours. The Frontier Corps swiftly moved to block major roads in Turbat, deploying a large contingent towards the naval air base.

The BLA claimed to have inflicted casualties on Pakistani personnel during the attack, asserting that "over a dozen" were killed. An audio clip purportedly from a BLA fighter at the scene detailed the targeting of various vehicles.

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In response, an emergency was declared at Teaching Hospital Turbat, with all doctors ordered to report for duty immediately. This marks the second attack of the week and the third this year by the BLA Majeed Brigade in Turbat. Earlier incidents include an attack on Mach city on January 29 and an assault on the Military Intelligence headquarters in Gwadar on March 20. During the Gwadar attack, two Pakistani soldiers and eight terrorists were killed in clashes at the Pakistan Gwadar Port Authority Complex.

The surge in terrorist activities follows the termination of a ceasefire between the government and the banned militant group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in November 2022. Pakistan, particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, has witnessed an increase in such incidents, posing challenges to security in the region.

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(Inputs from agencies)