The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) separatist group attacked a Chinese convoy, transporting Chinese engineers to the Gwadar Port in Pakistan’s southwestern region on Sunday, an assault confirmed by the BLA group.
Various militant factions from the Baloch community have previously asserted responsibility for targeting projects associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative. This has led to the deployment of numerous security personnel to counter potential threats against China’s vested interests.
In a statement, the separatist organization, BLA Majeed Brigade, announced, “Today, a convoy of Chinese engineers in Gwadar was subjected to an ongoing attack by us.” While security sources verified the attack, there was no immediate official response.
Nevertheless, Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti, a senator and former provincial interior minister, communicated via Twitter that no Chinese nationals were harmed during the assault.
I strongly condemn the heinous terror attack on Chinese workers convoy in Gwadar. Thankfully, no loss of life happened, but there are reports that the ambush has been repulsed and the attackers have been killed. 1/2
— Senator Sarfraz Bugti (@PakSarfrazbugti) August 13, 2023
He condemned the “horrific terrorist attack” on the Chinese workers’ convoy in Gwadar, expressing gratitude that no lives were lost. He further reported that the attackers were repelled and neutralized.
According to State Radio Pakistan, which referenced the military’s public relations division, the situation was brought under control. The report stated, “In Gwadar, an exchange of gunfire between security forces and terrorists resulted in the elimination of one terrorist and injuries to three others.”
Baloch separatist groups often amplify their accomplishments on the battlefield, while the Pakistani military’s public relations apparatus tends to downplay or delay reports of attacks.
In a separate incident in April 2022, a female suicide bomber targeted a vehicle carrying three Chinese academics and their Pakistani driver, leading to their deaths as they entered the Confucius Institute at the University of Karachi. The BLA asserted responsibility for this tragic attack.
