Pakistani security forces successfully countered an armed assault on the Gwadar Port Authority Complex, neutralizing seven assailants, officials confirmed. According to Makran Commissioner Saeed Ahmed Umrani, the incident involved multiple blasts and intense gunfire, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
While the attackers were swiftly dealt with, authorities reported no casualties resulting from the attack. The United Nations Department for Safety and Security issued a statement acknowledging the attack, emphasizing the importance of the complex, which houses several government and paramilitary offices.
TERRORIST ATTACK IN NORTH WAZIRISTAN: ESCALATING THREATS AND COUNTERTERRORISM EFFORTS
The recent terrorist attack in North Waziristan on March 16, 2024, resuled in the loss of seven Pakistani soldiers, highlights the persistent threat of terrorism in the region. The attack underscores the evolving tactics of groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the human cost of counter-terrorism efforts. The emergence of a new TTP base in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa emphasizes the need for reevaluating strategies to address insurgency. Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism, alongside international support, remains crucial for maintaining peace and security.
The incident reported involves a significant clash between armed assailants and security forces at the Gwadar Port Authority Complex. Here’s a summary of the key points:
- Incident Overview:
- Seven armed assailants forcibly entered the Gwadar Port Authority Complex and engaged in gunfire with police and security forces.
- Multiple explosions were reported during the attack.
- The attackers were eventually neutralized by the security forces.
- Response and Casualties:
- No casualties among the security forces or civilians were reported.
- The firing ceased after the assailants were neutralized.
- Claim of Responsibility:
- The Majeed Brigade of the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack.
- Background:
- Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist activities, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, following the end of a ceasefire between the government and the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in November 2022.
- Reactions:
- Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti praised the response of security forces and emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards violence.
- Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz condemned the attack and praised the security forces for their efforts.
- BLA’s Majeed Brigade:
- Formed in 2011, it is known as a particularly lethal guerrilla cell targeting security forces and Chinese interests in Pakistan.
- The group is believed to maintain sanctuaries in areas along the Pak-Iran border and has been involved in various attacks, including suicide bombings and coordinated assaults.
- Government Response:
- Pakistan conducted intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations in Afghanistan targeting terrorists belonging to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, which has been involved in attacks inside Pakistan.
- The Foreign Office stated that Pakistan had repeatedly expressed concerns about the presence of terrorist outfits, including the TTP, in Afghanistan and urged Afghan authorities to take action against them.
- Afghan Response and Consequences:
- Afghanistan condemned the airstrikes conducted by Pakistan on its soil, claiming civilian casualties.
- Afghan authorities summoned Pakistan’s charge d’affaires and protested against the attacks.
- Afghan forces retaliated by targeting Pakistani military bases across the border.
- Cross-border Clashes:
- Cross-border exchanges resulted in casualties, including a captain martyred and two soldiers injured in Kurram District’s Parachinar.
- Counter-terrorism Operations:
- Pakistan conducted an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan, killing eight terrorists, including a high-value target named Sehra alias Janan, who was involved in orchestrating recent attacks.
- International Dynamics:
- Pakistan accused Afghanistan of supporting and providing safe havens to terrorist organizations, exacerbating tensions between the two countries.
CLAIM OF RESPONSIBILITY
The Majeed Brigade, a faction of the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), claimed responsibility for the assault, underscoring the persistent threat of terrorism in the region.
The incident adds to a series of terror-related activities in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, following the resurgence of militant groups like the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
RESPONSE FROM AUTHORITIES
On March 18, 2024, in response to multiple terrorist attacks causing significant civilian and law enforcement casualties in Pakistan, the Foreign Office (FO) reported that Pakistan conducted intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations within the border regions of Afghanistan.
The operations targeted terrorists associated with groups like the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), responsible for orchestrating attacks within Pakistan. The recent attack on a security post in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, resulting in the loss of seven Pakistani soldiers, prompted these actions.
Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concerns to the Interim Afghan Government regarding the presence of such terror outfits, emphasizing their threat to Pakistan’s security and their use of Afghan territory to launch attacks. Despite prioritizing dialogue and cooperation to address the terrorist threat, Pakistan stated its lack of intention to engage in talks with the TTP.
Meanwhile, the Taliban’s response alleged Pakistani airstrikes within Afghan territory, resulting in civilian casualties, leading to diplomatic exchanges between the two countries. The situation underscores the complex dynamics and challenges along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, with both sides asserting their positions amidst escalating tensions.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti commended security forces for their swift response, reiterating the state’s unwavering stance against violence.
INTERNATIONAL CONDEMNATION
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz condemned the attack, echoing sentiments of solidarity with the security forces.
PROFILE OF MAJEED BRIGADE: The Majeed Brigade, a notorious faction of the BLA, has a history of targeting security forces and Chinese interests in Pakistan. Its presence in Afghanistan adds complexity to the security landscape.
This is a developing story, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as investigations into the attack unfold, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting amid evolving developments. We are also continuously updating it as the situation unfolds. Initial media reports may contain inaccuracies, so we are committed to providing timely and accurate information sourced from credible authorities and our experienced staff reporters. At mmfinancials.pk, we prioritize delivering reliable updates to ensure our readers are informed with the latest developments.
