Pakistan13 April, 20261 min read
Balochistan Liberation Army Kills Three Pakistan Coast Guards Near Iran Border
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Three Pakistan Coast Guard personnel killed near Pakistan–Iran border in the Arabian Sea. BLA claims responsibility for the patrol-boat attack.
Coast Guard Attack
Three Pakistan Coast Guard personnel were killed after Baloch fighters opened fire on a patrol boat in the Arabian Sea near the Iran border. The boat was on a routine patrol when it came under fire, killing all three personnel on board. The banned separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility.
Following the operations on land, the action in maritime boundaries marks a new development in the BLA’s military strategy. The incident occurred near Jiwani, a coastal town close to Gwadar.
Hazara Community Attack
Two members of the Hazara community were shot dead in Quetta's Hazar Ganji area. Police described it as a targeted killing. Unidentified men riding a motorcycle opened fire on vegetable vendors.
No group immediately claimed responsibility. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti called it a cowardly and reprehensible act. Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langove said the killers of innocent citizens won’t be spared at any cost.
Strategic and Political Implications
The attack represents a significant escalation of BLA operations into the maritime domain. Gwadar has seen repeated attacks on security forces and installations by Baloch separatist militants. The poor security situation has led to friction between Beijing and Islamabad.
Pakistan recently stood up a special-purpose security unit to suppress Balochi attacks. Islamabad blames Kabul for providing safe haven to militant groups.