Amidst fears over the safety of foreign workers, the attack highlights escalating security challenges and underscores the urgency for heightened safeguards in the region.
In a successful operation on Sunday, security forces intercepted a terrorist attack targeting a convoy in Gwadar, a crucial hub within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The convoy was believed to be transporting Chinese engineers. The incident took place in the restive province of Balochistan. The attack was swiftly repelled by the security forces, resulting in the elimination of two terrorists. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties among military or civilian personnel.
The incident was swiftly brought to public attention by Global Times, a renowned media outlet, via the social media platform 'X' (formerly known as Twitter), where a video capturing the aftermath was shared, sparking concerns over the safety of foreign workers in the region, according to ANI.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the military, reported that the assailants initiated the attack at 10 am, employing small arms and hand grenades. The ISPR applauded the efficient response of the security forces in neutralizing the threat without any harm to individuals present.
Responsibility for the attack was claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army - Majeed Brigade, a militant group known for its activities in Balochistan. While the attack targeted the convoy, which was likely transporting Chinese engineers, there were no reported injuries or casualties among the Chinese personnel.
In a separate incident, security forces engaged in clashes in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, resulting in the death of one soldier and the elimination of four terrorists. The operation, based on intelligence, took place in Charmang, Bajaur District. The ISPR revealed that weapons, ammunition, and explosives, including a suicide vest, were recovered from the militants.
Balochistan, a province bordering Iran and Afghanistan, has been marred by a longstanding and violent insurgency. Insurgent groups in the region have previously targeted CPEC projects. Notably, attacks have also been directed at Chinese nationals engaged in work or business, even extending to Karachi.
The surge in terrorist activities in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, has been linked to the cessation of the ceasefire between the government and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) last November. The TTP, also known as the Pakistan Taliban, is a conglomerate of various militant factions formed in 2007.
This incident comes on the heels of a recent military operation that resulted in the loss of 12 soldiers in Balochistan's Zhob and Sui areas.