Four terrorists armed with heavy weapons and explosives attacked Pakistan Navy's Airbase PNS Siddique late on Monday night. However, timely action by navy personnel thwarted the assault, preventing any harm to the base or its personnel.
According to a spokesperson for the Pakistan Navy, the terrorists attempted to enter the other side from the Turbat Civil Airport premises. The terrorists lobbed hand grenades and opened fire at the entrance to the base.
However, the swift and coordinated response from Pakistan Navy personnel repelled the attack, as a result of which the terrorists could not enter the naval base and were all eliminated.
The spokesman claimed that in response to the attempted breach, a joint clearance operation of the Pakistan Navy, Frontier Corps, and the police was launched to sweep the surrounding areas for any potential threats and remaining terrorists.
He further said that all the naval personnel present at the base, as well as the assets, remained safe. However, ISPR said that in the exchange of fire, Sepoy Nauman Fareed of the Balochistan FC was martyred. The 24-year-old official belonged to Muzaffargarh.
No casualties were reported among the civilians. The PNS Siddique is among the biggest naval air stations in the country.
Makran division Commissioner Saeed Ahmed Umrani provided additional details, stating that the attackers attempted to infiltrate the airport from three to four surrounding locations. However, the security personnel deputed at the location held them back.
He further said that during the attack, an exchange of heavy gunfire between the security forces and the terrorists, as well as explosions, could be heard. Additionally, he explained that the navy air base was established inside the airport, but at quite a distance, and the attackers were far from it.
Navy, Frontier Corps and police forces were present at the spot to engage the terrorists, he added.
He also said that the Majeed Brigade of the banned organization, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), claimed responsibility for the attack.
Previously, the BLA had carried out at an attack on the Gwadar Port Authority’s residential complex on March 20. Two security personnel were martyred in the attack. Later, eight terrorists were killed in retaliatory action by security forces.
