Pakistani security forces killed eight gunmen who stormed into the Gwadar Port Authority Complex in the country, a strategically crucial port located in the mineral-rich region.

China made major investments in Balochistan and developed Gwadar.

Makran Commissioner Saeed Ahmed Umrani told Dawn.com that multiple blasts were also reported in the attack, adding that the clearance operation against the perpetrators was still underway.

Gwadar Senior Superintendent of Police Captain (retd) Zohaib Mohsin initially told Dawn.com that eight armed assailants were gunned down but later revised the count to seven. Regarding the status of the assault, he said that the firing had “completely stopped”.

A large contingent of police and security forces had reached the scene when the intense firing was ongoing, Umrani earlier told Dawn.com.

Which group claimed responsibility for the attack?

The Majeed Brigade of the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the incident.

Pakistan is witnessing an uptick in terror attacks in recent times.

The increase in attacks were mostly seen in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan after the banned militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemns the attack

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti posted on X: "Eight terrorists tried to attack the Gwadar Port Authority complex today. All of them have been neutralised by security forces. The message is loud & clear. Whosoever chooses to use violence will see no mercy from the state. Kudos to all law enforcement bravehearts who fought bravely today for Pakistan."