Pakistan’s second-largest naval air base under terrorist attack

Pakistan’s second-largest naval air base, PNS Siddique, in Balochistan province’s Turbat city has come under an armed terrorist attack. The banned Balochistan Liberation Army’s (BLA) Majeed Brigade had claimed responsibility for the attack on the base, where Chinese drones are stationed.

According to The Balochistan Post newspaper, the Majeed Brigade sent a statement to the media, saying that “we have entered the Pakistani Naval Airbase in Turbat”.

It also claimed to have killed “over a dozen” security personnel at the naval base.

Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper said the attack on Monday night came after a series of explosions and firing in the city, which, according to local residents, began at about 10 pm and continued for several hours.

A high-ranking official told the newspaper that the attackers “came from three sides of the airport boundary, but security forces responded immediately and foiled their attempt to infiltrate the premises”.

However, he did not provide any further details, including if there were any casualties or injuries amongst the forces.

Citing security officials, the Dawn newspaper also said that “six militants were killed outside the Turbat airport boundary, ensuring the safety of the base”.

The officials also said that there were no reports of any loss of “sensitive naval installations” at the station, while the Frontier Corps and the navy’s special group “successfully isolated the terrorists”.

The Pakistan Army is yet to make an official statement on the attack.

The Balochistan Post said that this was the BLA’s third attack of this year.

On January 29, the separatist group launched an assault in Mach city and on March 20, they attacked the Gwadar port, leading to the deaths of two Pakistani soldiers and eight assailants.

The BLA has been actively seeking independence for Balochistan and has been involved in various violent acts against the state.