Intelligence and police officials said the boat was on a routine patrol in a coastal area close to the Pakistan-Iran border when it came under fire, killing all three members on board. The attack increased concerns about the expansion of armed activity in the troubled Balochistan region.
The BLA claims responsibility and calls it a “new phase” of operations
The banned separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as an expansion of the scope of its operations.The group said in a statement, according to Reuters: “Following the ground operations, the action on the maritime border represents a new development in the military strategy of the Balochistan Liberation Army.”The attack comes amid a long-running insurgency in Balochistan, where armed groups have repeatedly targeted security forces, infrastructure and state facilities.
Tight security reinforcements in the coastal area
Intelligence and police sources quoted by Reuters said that the authorities had begun an investigation and strengthened the security presence in the area.
The incident occurred near Jiwani, a coastal town close to Gwadar, a strategically important coastal area.Gwadar and its surrounding areas have witnessed frequent militant attacks in recent years, with the insurgents repeatedly targeting security forces and infrastructure linked to major development projects in the region.
Widespread unrest in Balochistan
Balochistan continues to face parallel security challenges, including sectarian violence coupled with separatist militancy. In a separate incident on Sunday, two members of the Hazara community were shot dead in Quetta, while three others were injured in what authorities described as a targeted attack.Police officials said that unidentified gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on vegetable vendors, leading to protests and road blockades by members of the Hazara community. No party immediately claimed responsibility for this attack, according to Arab News.Balochistan Interior Minister Ziaullah Langov said that security forces and citizens are “jointly combating the threat of terrorism,” adding that “the killers of innocent citizens will not escape at any cost.”
