Pakistan Says Security Forces Foil BLA Attack in Gwadar, Three Militants Killed

Quetta/Islamabad (Terror Monitor) — Pakistani security forces have foiled an attempted attack on an unoccupied camp belonging to a construction company in the coastal city of Gwadar in Balochistan province, killing three militants during a counterterrorism operation, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Thursday.

Security sources said the attackers were affiliated with the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which Pakistani authorities refer to as Fitna al-Hindustan. However, the reported affiliation has not been independently verified.

Naqvi praised the security forces for their timely response, saying their action had prevented the attackers from carrying out their intended assault on the vacant construction camp.

The incident came amid reports of security disturbances at multiple locations across Gwadar district since Thursday evening, raising concerns about a possible wider militant operation in the coastal region.

According to security sources, three militants were killed during the initial operation, while additional suspects were reportedly surrounded as security personnel continued clearance operations.

In a separate development, security forces launched another operation against suspected militants reportedly hiding inside a hotel near the Gwadar Highway. Security sources said four suspects had been surrounded at the site.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) in Gwadar was personally supervising the ongoing operations, according to the sources.

Attacks Reported at Three Locations

Three senior government officials told BBC Urdu that attacks had been reported at three locations in Gwadar district: a government construction company's camp near Gwadar city, Suntser and the Gabd-Rimdan border crossing with Iran, also known locally as the 250 border.

One senior official said two people had been injured in the incidents. However, BBC Urdu said it could not independently verify the extent of the damage or casualties.

The reports suggested that the security situation extended beyond the construction camp targeted in the initial attack, although the circumstances surrounding the incidents at the other locations remained unclear.

Pakistan's Interior Minister did not provide details of any casualties or property damage in his initial statement concerning the attack on the construction company's camp.

Residents Report Powerful Explosion and Gunfire

Residents of Gwadar reported hearing a powerful explosion near the construction company's compound, located approximately 15 kilometres north of the city.

A local resident told an international news organisation that the blast was so intense that it sounded as though it had occurred nearby, despite the resident being some distance from the site.

Another resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, said an initial loud explosion was followed by several smaller blasts and sustained gunfire.

The resident also reported that the force of the explosion shattered windows in houses some distance from the site.

Despite the reported explosions and gunfire, one resident said daily life in Gwadar city remained largely normal because security forces had prevented the attackers from advancing towards the city.

The accounts could not independently establish the precise targets of the explosions or the extent of the damage.

Security Situation at Iran Border Crossing

The reported incident at the Gabd-Rimdan border crossing occurred amid disruptions to cross-border trade between Pakistan and Iran.

Pakistani authorities suspended trade through the Gabd-Rimdan and Taftan crossings earlier in the week, citing security and other concerns. The decision left hundreds of freight vehicles stranded on both sides of the border.

According to local traders, authorities initially closed the crossings to commercial traffic on Saturday. Two days later, some cargo destined for Türkiye and Central Asian countries was reportedly allowed to pass through Iran.

On Wednesday, vehicles carrying food and other essential commodities were also permitted to resume movement, according to the information provided by local traders.

The disruption has affected businesses and transport operators who rely on the border crossings for imports and exports.

An AFP report published on October 21 said hundreds of trucks were waiting at the Gabd-Rimdan crossing, with drivers reporting difficulties after several days of delays. Traders also warned of mounting financial losses.

The reported security incidents have added to concerns about the safety of commercial traffic and the stability of the border region.

District Administration Says Situation Under Control

Meanwhile, the Gwadar district administration and police issued a joint statement saying the security situation at the Gabd-Rimdan border crossing and surrounding areas was under control.

The statement rejected reports circulating on social media that authorities described as inaccurate and said security forces and other relevant agencies had responded promptly and effectively.

Officials urged the public not to spread or rely on unverified information and advised residents to follow announcements issued by the police and relevant government departments.

The statement did not provide a detailed account of the reported attacks at all three locations or independently clarify the number of casualties.

Balochistan Faces Continuing Security Challenges

Gwadar, a strategically important coastal city in Balochistan, has repeatedly been affected by attacks attributed by Pakistani authorities to Baloch separatist militant groups.

The banned Baloch Liberation Army has previously claimed attacks against security personnel and infrastructure in the province, including incidents targeting Gwadar and projects linked to economic development.

Balochistan has experienced a decades-long insurgency driven by separatist demands and grievances over political representation, control of natural resources and economic development.

Pakistan has accused foreign actors of supporting militant groups operating in the province, allegations that have been disputed by the countries concerned.

The latest operation comes amid renewed security concerns across Balochistan, including attacks on security personnel and disruptions along the border with Iran.

As operations continue in Gwadar, the full extent of the reported attacks, the circumstances surrounding the incidents at Suntser and Gabd-Rimdan, and the number of people injured remain unclear.