Baloch Fighters Strike Again: Deadly Attack on Gwadar Port Shakes Pakistan

Introduction

In a shocking escalation of violence, Baloch separatist fighters launched a devastating attack on Pakistan’s strategically important Gwadar Port on Sunday evening. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the assault, alleging it as part of their ongoing struggle for independence from Pakistan. The attack reportedly resulted in 90 Pakistani soldiers’ deaths, though official sources have neither confirmed nor denied these figures.

The Attack: A Well-Planned Operation

Eyewitnesses and security officials described the attack as well-coordinated and executed with military precision. Around 7:30 PM, multiple heavily armed militants infiltrated a Pakistani military base near Gwadar Port and opened indiscriminate fire, leading to hours of intense gun battles.

• Reports suggest that the BLA fighters used rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and automatic rifles to target military installations.
• Several military vehicles, fuel tanks, and weapon depots were set on fire.
• The attack was followed by a series of explosions, leading to panic among the locals.

Pakistani security forces engaged in retaliatory fire, resulting in a prolonged battle that lasted till the early hours of Monday morning.

Who is Behind the Attack?

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has long been waging a separatist insurgency against the Pakistani state, citing political repression, economic exploitation, and human rights violations as their grievances. In a video message, BLA spokesperson Jeehand Baloch declared:

“This is a message to the Pakistani army: We will not allow our resources to be looted by foreign occupiers and their collaborators. The Baloch resistance will continue until the occupation ends.”

Why is Gwadar Port So Important?

Gwadar is not just another Pakistani city—it is the crown jewel of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multi-billion-dollar project that seeks to connect China to the Arabian Sea.

• The port is heavily guarded by Pakistani military forces and Chinese security personnel due to repeated attacks from Baloch rebels.
• China has invested heavily in Gwadar, constructing highways, power plants, and port facilities.
• The attack raises concerns about Chinese investments, as Beijing has already demanded greater security measures for its projects in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Response

Following the attack, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) released a statement claiming that security forces successfully repelled the militants, killing at least 12 insurgents.

Pakistani Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah condemned the attack, calling it an act of terrorism aimed at destabilizing the country. He warned:

“Pakistan will not tolerate such cowardly acts. The perpetrators and their foreign backers will face severe consequences.”

Security across Balochistan has been heightened, with additional troops deployed to Gwadar and surrounding areas.

China’s Reaction and Future Implications

China, a key investor in Gwadar, has expressed concern over the attack. The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a brief statement:

“We urge the Pakistani government to ensure the safety of Chinese workers and projects. China will continue its cooperation with Pakistan in countering terrorist threats.”

However, repeated attacks on Chinese interests in Pakistan may force Beijing to reconsider its investments or demand its own security forces to operate within Pakistan, a move that could have serious diplomatic repercussions.

Conclusion

The latest attack on Gwadar highlights the growing instability in Balochistan and the Pakistani state’s struggle to maintain control over the region. With China’s strategic interests at stake, the international community will be watching closely to see how Islamabad handles the situation.

For now, the Baloch insurgency shows no signs of slowing down, and Pakistan faces an uphill battle in securing its most critical economic projects.