PNS Siddique, Pakistan's Major Naval Air Station In Turbat, Faces Devastating Attack - Here's What We Know

Gunfire and multiple explosions have been reported from the area of Pakistan's second-largest naval air station, PNS Siddique in Turbat, according to The Balochistan Post.

The attack on the Naval Airbase in Turbat has been claimed by the Majeed Brigade of the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The Majeed Brigade, opposed to China's investments in the province of Balochistan, has accused China and Pakistan of exploiting the region's resources.

Pakistan's Major Naval Air Station Attacked

The claim that its fighters have entered the airbase has been made by the BLA according to The Balochistan Post. Furthermore, Chinese drones are also reported to be stationed at this base. In response to the attack, an emergency has been imposed at Teaching Hospital Turbat by District Health Officer Kech, and all doctors have been instructed to report to duty immediately.

Today's attack in Turbat marks the second attack of the week and the third attack of this year by the BLA Majeed Brigade. As reported by The Balochistan Post, earlier on January 29, Mach city was targeted, and on March 20, Military Intelligence's headquarters in Gwadar were attacked. This was followed by the attack on Pakistan's second-largest Naval airbase in Turbat.

Earlier, at least two Pakistani soldiers and eight terrorists were killed in the fighting that erupted after multiple blasts and gunfire were reported at Pakistan's Gwadar Port Authority Complex, on March 20. It was informed in a statement by Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations that a group of eight terrorists attempted to enter the Port Authority Colony but were "successfully thwarted" by security forces personnel, as reported by ANI.

The Gwadar port, which is controlled by China, is significant to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It includes multi-billion-dollar roads and energy projects and is also a part of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Notably, an uptick in terror activities has been witnessed in Pakistan in the past year, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, after the banned militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022, as reported by Dawn.