Baloch Militants Claim Deadly Attack on Pakistan Coast Guard Camp
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a Pakistan Coast Guards camp in the Panwan area of Jiwani, Gwadar district, alleging that more than 30 security personnel were killed and dozens injured. The attack reportedly occurred on the evening of July 3.
In a statement, the BLA said a member of its Majeed Brigade drove an explosives-laden vehicle into the camp before detonating it, causing extensive damage. The group claimed that fighters then engaged survivors in close-quarter combat. It further asserted that the death toll could rise due to personnel trapped under debris.
As of the time of reporting, Pakistani military and Coast Guard officials had not issued an official statement confirming the casualties or damage. Independent verification of the BLA's claims is not possible due to restricted access to the region and a ban on international media in Balochistan.
The BLA identified the attacker as Attaullah Baloch, also known as Ajmal, a member of its Majeed Brigade. The group said additional details and a video would be released later.
The BLA is one of several armed separatist groups active in Balochistan, which has seen a long-running insurgency against the Pakistani state. The group frequently targets security forces, government installations, and infrastructure, particularly in coastal and resource-rich areas. Gwadar is strategically important as the site of a deep-sea port and a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has faced security challenges from separatist groups.
The BLA reiterated its goal of “complete independence” for Balochistan and referred to Pakistani forces as “occupying forces.”
Security analysts note that casualty figures from militant groups immediately after attacks often differ from official Pakistani statements. The difficulty of independent verification is compounded by restricted access and media bans.
If confirmed, this would be one of the most significant attacks on security forces in Gwadar in recent months and is likely to prompt heightened security measures. The Pakistan Army has faced accusations of human rights violations and enforced disappearances by Baloch civilian groups, which remain points of contention in the region.
