Pakistan Crumbles as BLA's Majeed Brigade Bombards Country's Second-Largest Naval Airbase

Islamab – Amid growing instability in Pakistan, struggling nation's second-largest naval air station, PNS Siddique in Turbat, underwent a heavy attack, which was marked by intense gunfire and multiple explosions. According to Balochistan Post, Majeed Brige of proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for attack on Naval Airbase, which is known for its strategic importance to Pakistan. Amid chaos, army claimed that at least 4 people h lost ir lives in attack. 

As per reports, brutal attack commenced at 10:30 pm on Monday. security sources noted that 4-5 BLA Terrorists armed with automatic weapons and hand grenes attacked, which eventually led to an intense fire exchange with security personnel present at outer wall of station. In light of this, District Health Officer of Kech has declared an emergency at Teaching Hospital in Turbat, Baloch Post reported. All medical staff were ordered to report to hospital immediately to take care of anticipated casualties from assault.

It is pertinent to note that Majeed Brige is opposed to China’s investments in province of Balochistan and has accused China and Pakistan of exploiting region's vital resources. What makes Turbat Naval Airbase so important is fact it stations Chinese drones. “We have entered Pakistani Naval Airbase in Turbat," BLA Majeed Brige said in an email to Baloch Post. 

Third major attack in region

latest attack marked group’s second operation within a week and its third major attack this year. This reflects a major uptick in group's activities in region since prior assaults included an operation in Mach City on January 29 and an attack on ISI and MI hequarters in Gwar on March 20. Meanwhile, region of Turbat has seen a significant increase in military activity, with numerous helicopters observed patrolling skies. Following this, Frontier Corps has blocked several major ros in Turbat, and a large contingent of FC personnel has been observed moving towards naval airbase.

Apart from Balochistan Pakistan has also witnessed a major rise in terror activities in past year, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. uptick was seen after banned militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire deal with government of Pakistan in November 2022.