The Attack on PNS Siddique was a terrorist attack that occurred on March 26, 2024, at the PNS Siddique Naval Air Base in Turbat, Pakistan. The attack was carried out by the Majeed Brigade of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The BLA claimed responsibility for the assault, citing opposition to Chinese investments in the Baluchistan.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
| Attack on PNS Siddique | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
| Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) | Pakistan | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Over a dozen Pakistani personnel | |||||||
| This marked the second attack of the week and the third in 2024 by the BLA Majeed Brigade in Turbat. | |||||||
Background
editThe PNS Siddique Naval Air Base is Pakistan's second-largest naval air station, located in Balochistan. The BLA has been critical of China's involvement in Balochistan, accusing both China and Pakistan of exploiting the region's resources.[7][8]
Attack
editAccording to reports, the attackers infiltrated the airbase, resulting in heavy gunfire and explosions that lasted for over three hours. The BLA claimed to have killed "over a dozen" Pakistani personnel during the assault. Additionally, Chinese drones were reportedly deployed at the facility.[9][6][3]
Response
editFollowing the attack, an emergency was declared at Teaching Hospital Turbat, with all doctors instructed to report for duty immediately. The Frontier Corps blocked numerous major roads in Turbat, and a large contingent of personnel was deployed to the naval air base.[1][3]
Aftermath
editThis marked the second attack of the week and the third in 2024 by the BLA Majeed Brigade in Turbat. Previously, on January 29, the BLA targeted Mach city, followed by an attack on the Military Intelligence headquarters in Gwadar on March 20.[1]
International reaction
editThe attack on PNS Siddique drew international attention, with concerns raised about the security situation in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan.[2][1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Pakistan naval air base in Balochistan comes under terrorist attack; 6 attackers killed - The Economic Times". m.economictimes.com. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
- ^ a b "Pakistan second-largest naval air station PNS Siddique in Turbat under attack". ddnews.gov.in. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
- ^ a b c "Pakistan's second-largest naval air base under terrorist attack". India Today. 26 March 2024. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
- ^ "Majeed Brigade Rebels Attack Pakistan's PNS Siddique Airbase in Turbat That Stations Chinese Drones". The Times of India. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
- ^ Shahid, Behram Baloch | Saleem (2024-03-26). "Attack on navy base in Turbat 'foiled'". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
- ^ a b Khan, Tahir (2024-03-26). "FC soldier martyred, 4 terrorists killed as security forces thwart attack on naval base in Turbat: ISPR". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
- ^ "Pakistani separatists turn their sights on China | Lowy Institute". www.lowyinstitute.org. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
- ^ "Why are separatist militants violently targeting Chinese in Pakistan?". South China Morning Post. 2018-11-24. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
- ^ "Pakistan's second-largest naval airbase, stationing Chinese drones, attacked; BLA claims responsibility". Firstpost. 2024-03-26. Retrieved 2024-03-26.