• Two soldiers martyred; 8 militants belonging to banned BLA killed in intense gun battle
• Official says port secure, under tight security; PM, president laud troops’ response

GWADAR/QUETTA: Two security personnel embraced martyrdom and eight militants were killed as security forces foiled a militant attack on the Gwadar Port Authority Complex by a separatist armed group, on Wednesday.

The complex, which is located near the deep sea port, houses many important government offices, including the intelligence and security forces, in addition to a residential colony.

Security forces engaged the armed militants near the premises and did not allow them to enter the residential complex, where the families of port and other departments’ employees reside.

However, two soldiers were martyred during the gun battle, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed.

“During the intense exchange of fire, two brave soldiers Sepoy Bahar Khan (age: 35 years, resident of District Dera Ghazi Khan) and Sepoy Imran Ali (age: 28 years, resident of District Khairpur) having fought gallantly, sacrificed their lives and embraced Shahadat,” the media wing of the army said.

Makran Commissioner Saeed Ahmed Umrani told Dawn that “armed terrorists carried out several blasts using grenades” before resorting to automatic weapons for firing. The militants tried to enter the complex, but security forces foiled their attempt and returned fire after taking positions.

“The armed militants launched an attack on the complex from three sides, but the security forces cordoned off the area and killed eight armed terrorists who reached the site in two vehicles.” The commissioner said that the security forces carried out a clearance operation, which continued for at least two hours to clear the area of militants.

‘Loud explosions’

A resident of Gwadar told Dawn the attack continued for at least half an hour, with loud explosions heard around town. “Many explosions were heard in Gwadar town. After that heavy firing started which continued for half an hour,” Ghaffar Baloch said, adding that fear spread in the port city following the attack.

The Gwadar seaport, which is located nearby, however, remained completely safe. The security forces cordoned off the port soon after the attack. “Gwadar port is safe and under tight security,” a senior official of the local administration said.

Authorities have now sealed the area and roads leading to the Gwa­dar Port Authority (GPA) Complex, with nobody being allowed to enter the restricted area. Heavy conting­ents of security forces were also patrolling the port city on Wednesday night.

Officials believed that the militants had planned to enter the residential area and use civilians as “human shields”.

The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack and said that the Majeed Brigade of the BLA carried out the armed attack.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement, “A large quantity of arms, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from the killed terrorists.”

It added: “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.”

APP adds: The Gwadar attack was co­n­demned by President Asif Ali Zar­d­ari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti.

The prime minister paid tribute to the slain personnel who laid down their lives during the operation aga­inst terrorists, the PM’s Office said in a press release. He appreciated the swift response of the security forces which eliminated terrorists.

President Asif Ali Zardari appreciated the prompt response of the security forces and said that the “valiant security forces [of Pakis­tan] manifested courage and will. The president also vowed to “counter the terrorist elements with full force”, a statement by the president said.

CM Bugti also hailed the security forces for their prompt response.

Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2024