Baloch insurgents have escalated their conflict by launching a maritime attack, marking a significant shift from their traditional land-based operations. On Sunday, three personnel from the Pakistan Coast Guard were killed when Baloch fighters targeted their patrol boat in the Arabian Sea, near the Iran border. This incident represents the first known assault on a maritime security vessel and raises alarms regarding the growing scope of militant activities in Balochistan.
The banned Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as a “new phase” in their operations that extends their campaign into maritime territory. The incident occurred near Jiwani, close to the strategic Gwadar port, an area that has seen numerous militant assaults on security forces and infrastructure related to significant development projects.
In response to the attack, authorities have initiated an investigation and increased security measures along the coastal region. This incident comes amid ongoing unrest in Balochistan, where separatist violence coexists with sectarian tensions. In a separate event in Quetta, two members of the Hazara community were killed, prompting protests and road blockades. Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langove emphasized the need for security forces and citizens to work together against terrorism, vowing that those responsible for violence would face consequences.
