A brazen attack on the Gwadar Port Authority Complex by eight armed assailants was met with a swift and decisive response from police and security forces on Wednesday. Officials reported that the assailants were shot dead after they forcibly entered the complex and opened fire.
According to Makran Commissioner Saeed Ahmed Umrani, the attack was accompanied by multiple blasts, adding to the chaos. The Dawn.com quoted Gwadar Senior Superintendent of Police Captain (retd) Zohaib Mohsin who confirmed that the police and security forces successfully neutralized all eight attackers, bringing an end to the gunfire.
Authorities stated that a large contingent of police and security forces had arrived at the Gwadar port amidst the intense exchange of fire. Fortunately, no casualties were reported on the security personnel side in the aftermath of the attack.
The United Nations Department for Safety and Security issued a statement acknowledging the attack on the complex, which houses several government and paramilitary offices. While explosions followed by continuous gunfire were reported, the statement assured that all personnel from UN agencies based in Gwadar were safe and accounted for.
Majeed Brigade claims responsibility for Gwadar port attack in Pakistan
Responsibility for the attack was claimed by the Majeed Brigade, a faction of the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Formed in 2011, the Majeed Brigade is notorious for its lethal tactics and has a history of targeting security forces and Chinese interests in Pakistan.
The escalation of violence in Balochistan, as evidenced by this attack, reflects a broader trend of increased militant activity in Pakistan. The resurgence of terror activities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, follows the cessation of a ceasefire between the government and the banned militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in November 2022.
Recent incidents, including the attack on security forces’ vehicles in Gwadar that resulted in the martyrdom of 14 Pakistan Army soldiers, underscore the persistent threat posed by militant groups in the region. A security report issued last month highlighted the escalation of violence in Balochistan, juxtaposed with a decline in tribal districts and mainland KP, further emphasizing the challenges faced in maintaining security and stability in Pakistan.
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