Balochistan, Pakistan

Pakistan's second-largest naval air station, the PNS Siddique in Turbat, came under attack on Tuesday (Mar 26). The Majeed Brigade of the Balochistan Liberation Army, a proscribed separatist militant organisation based in Afghanistan, has claimed responsibility for the heavy attack that was marked by intense gunfire and multiple explosions.

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What we know so far

As per the Balochistan Post, the Majeed Brigade claimed in an email to journalists that its fighters had entered the airbase. 

Following the attack, the District Health Officer of Kech has imposed an emergency at the Teaching Hospital in Turbat. All medical staff, including doctors, have been ordered to report immediately to manage the anticipated casualties from the assault.

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In a recent statement to the media, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed it has killed "over a dozen" Pakistani personnel, with its assault on PNS Siddique in Turbat persisting for over three hours. Additionally, the BLA has released an audio clip, purportedly from one of its fighters participating in the attack on PNS Siddique. The recording features the fighter stating that multiple Pakistani vehicles have been targeted, suggesting both the continuation and escalation of the assault.

As events continue to unfold, Turbat is witnessing a notable increase in military activity, including the presence of numerous helicopters patrolling the skies.

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Media reports from the ground indicate ongoing heavy gunfire and explosions. The Frontier Corps (FC) has blocked several major roads in Turbat, and a sizeable contingent of FC personnel is moving towards the naval airbase.

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What is Majeed Brigade?

The Majeed Brigade, as per reports, is the BLA's dedicated suicide squad. It has been active since 2011, and is named after two brothers, Majeed Langove Senior and Majeed Langove Junior, who carried out suicide attacks in August 1974 and March 2010, respectively.

The militant group is opposed to China's investments in the province of Balochistan and accuses Pakistan and its ally China of exploiting the region's resources.

This attack in Turbat is the group's second operation within a week and its third major attack this year. Earlier, it launched an operation in Mach city on January 29 and an attack on the ISI and MI headquarters in Gwadar on March 20.

(With inputs from agencies)