A convoy of Chinese engineers working on the Beijing-financed Gwadar Port in Pakistan was attacked by the rebels of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Baloch Liberation Army – Majeed Brigade, the suicide squad of BLA, has claimed responsibility for today’s attack. Chinese consulates in Pakistan have issued orders for its citizens in Balochistan and Sindh to remain inside their residences till further orders.
Spokesperson of BLA, Jeeyand Baloch release a press statement. Rebel Jeeyand,” In a self-sacrificing operation today in Gwadar, two Fidayeen of BLA Majeed Brigade, Naveed Baloch alias Aslam Baloch of Dasht Nigor and Maqbool Baloch alias Qayim Baloch of Geshkor Awaran, targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers. This operation ZirPahazag continued for more than two hours. According to the information received so far, at least four Chinese nationals and nine personnel of the Pakistani military were killed and several were injured. This is preliminary information and the number of enemy losses could rise. After the successful execution of the operation, the BLA fighters chose their last bullets to end their own lives.”
In July 2021, a bus carrying engineers in northwestern Pakistan was bombed. Thirteen people, including nine Chinese workers, died. Under pressure, Pakistan paid millions in compensation to the families of the Chinese workers killed. China sent its team to probe the attack.
In April 2021, a suicide bomb attack at a luxury hotel hosting the Chinese ambassador in Quetta killed four and wounded dozens. The ambassador was unhurt.
Earlier in 2020, Baloch rebels attacked Pakistan’s Stock Exchange where the Chinese have major investments. This followed an attack at the Chinese consulate in Karachi in 2018.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is a rebel organization seeking greater autonomy for the Balochistan region in Pakistan. It’s known for carrying out attacks and engaging in armed conflict against Pakistani security forces and infrastructure. The group demands more control over the region’s resources and a greater say in local governance.
