BLA claims responsibility for killing over 30 Pakistani soldiers, issues stern warning to China

The Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the killing of over 30 Pakistani soldiers at the PNS Siddique naval air station in Turbat. The group warned China against its “illegal” settlements and projects in Balochistan, accusing them of colluding with Pakistan in looting Baloch resources.

According to BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, the fifth phase of “Operation ZirPahazag” targeted the occupied army’s Naval Airbase, PNS Siddique, resulting in the death of more than thirty enemy soldiers. The operation aimed to retaliate against the ongoing Baloch genocide and resist Chinese “occupation and exploitation” in the region.

Local media reports in Islamabad mentioned that the attack resulted in the death of one paramilitary soldier, while security forces in Pakistan reportedly killed all five attackers in retaliation. Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the assault on PNS Siddique in Turbat was foiled due to the swift and effective response by the troops.

Four fighters of the Majeed Brigade, identified as Ayub alias Doda, Khalif alias Islam, Wajid alias Nodan, and Murad alias Farhad, were reportedly killed during the operation. Despite facing strong security measures, the fighters managed to neutralize one enemy bunker and destroy two enemy drones before embracing martyrdom when their ammunition ran out.

The BLA issued a warning to China regarding its involvement in the CPEC projects in Balochistan, accusing the Asian nation of aiding the Pakistani Army in looting Baloch resources and suppressing the Baloch movement. The group threatened severe attacks on Chinese settlements and projects in Balochistan if China does not cease its exploitative activities in the region.

The recent developments coincide with a suicide attack on Chinese nationals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Besham city, where five Chinese engineers were targeted. The safety of Chinese workers has been a concern in Pakistan, with previous attacks on Chinese projects such as the hydroelectric dam in Dasu by the China Gezhouba Group Company.

The BLA, active since 2011, has been conducting operations in Balochistan to resist the occupation and exploitation of the region’s resources. The group remains a prominent separatist organization in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, known for its strategic importance due to the abundance of natural resources.