Security forces neutralise eight BLA insurgents attempting to breach GPA complex in Gwadar

GWADAR (Agencies): The security forces on Wednesday repulsed an attack by militants on a complex outside the strategic port of Gwadar, killing all eight of them, officials said.

China has invested heavily in the mineral-rich southwestern province of Balochistan, including developing Gwadar, despite a decades-long separatist insurgency.

Armed with guns and bombs, the militants stormed the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) complex just outside the port that houses offices of government departments, intelligence agencies and paramilitary forces, said Saeed Ahmed Umrani, a government commissioner.

The militants detonated a number of bombs before launching a shooting attack and trying to storm the complex, he said.

In a post on social media platform X, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said eight militants were “neutralised by security forces”, adding: “The message is loud & clear. Whosoever chooses to use violence will see no mercy from the state.”

The military said in a statement issued later in the evening that a group of eight terrorists attempted to enter Port Authority Colony in Gwadar, which was successfully thwarted by the security forces personnel.

“Own troops employed for security responded immediately and effectively engaged the terrorists, and in ensuing fire exchange, all eight terrorists were sent to hell,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

A large quantity of arms, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from the killed terrorists.

“However, during the intense exchange of fire, two brave soldiers; Sepoy Bahar  Khan (age: 35 years, resident of District DG Khan) and Sepoy Imran Ali (age: 28 years, resident of District Khairpur) having fought gallantly, sacrificed their lives and embraced Shahadat,” said the military’s media wing.

“Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation remain determined to thwart attempts of sabotaging peace and stability of Balochistan, and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” it added.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the most prominent of several separatist groups in Balochistan, claimed responsibility for the assault in a statement, saying its militants attacked Pakistan intelligence agencies’ offices.

The BLA has previously been involved in attacks on Pakistani and Chinese interests in the region and elsewhere.

APP adds President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday strongly condemned a terrorist attack on Gwadar Port Authority Complex.

He also highly appreciated the prompt response of the security forces and said that their valiant security forces manifested courage and will.

The president also vowed to counter terrorist elements with full force, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended heartfelt congratulations to the security forces for successful thwarting of the attack on the Gwadar Port Authority Complex.

In a statement, he said bravery and professional skills exhibited by the security forces in facing the attackers deserve high praise.

The Prime Minister expressed deep respect for the security forces personnel, who laid down their lives in the operation against terrorists. He said courageous sons of the nation, by sacrificing their lives in the fight against terrorists, are safeguarding the integrity of Pakistan.

Extending solidarity and condolences to the families of the martyrs, Shehbaz Sharif said the security forces’ commendable bravery and timely action resulting in the failure of the attack and elimination of the attackers are laudable.

He said those targeting the peace of Gwadar, Balochistan, attempted to disrupt Pakistan’s economic progress and inflict hardship on its people.

Shehbaz Sharif expressed the resolve that with the grace of Allah Almighty and the support of the nation, all internal and external conspiracies against Pakistan will be foiled.