Shillong, August 13: A convoy of Chinese engineers, involved in vital infrastructure projects within Pakistan’s port city of Gwadar, found themselves under assault by two Baloch militants today.
Gwadar, located in the turbulent province of Balochistan, is a focal point of Chinese activity due to its connection with China’s Xinjiang province, forming an integral part of the monumental $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for this latest attack, aligning with their ongoing opposition to Chinese investments in the region, asserting that these endeavors fail to benefit the local populace. The BLA has previously targeted projects linked to the CPEC.
In an earlier statement, the BLA’s Majeed Brigade announced their targeting of a convoy carrying Chinese engineers in Gwadar, initiating the attack. The separatist group’s claims suggest casualties on both sides: four Chinese nationals and nine Pakistani soldiers were reportedly killed, alongside the loss of two militants.
As per NDTV, Pakistani Senator Sarfraz Bugti denounced the act of terror and expressed gratitude for the successful repulsion of the ambush. He praised the resilience of the armed forces in countering the malevolent intentions of these militant factions, emphasizing Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty.
The CPEC project has sparked international debates, drawing concerns from India due to its passage through Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), a disputed region that is an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir. China maintains that the initiative is unrelated to territorial disputes, asserting its economic objectives as the primary driving force.