Baloch militant group claims attack on Pakistani coastguard, 13 reported killed

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed on Tuesday that it had conducted a military operation against Pakistani Coast Guard forces in Gwadar district, resulting in the deaths of 13 personnel, according to statements attributed to the separatist organization.

The BLA attributed the assault to its maritime operations unit, identified as the Hammal Maritime Defence Force (HMDF). The group did not immediately provide additional details regarding the timing, location or circumstances of the claimed attack.

Gwadar, located in Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan, has witnessed periodic security incidents and militant activities. The strategic coastal district hosts the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor's flagship Gwadar Port project, a major infrastructure development initiative.

The BLA has long sought an independent Balochistan state and has been designated as a terrorist organization by Pakistan and several other nations. The group has periodically claimed responsibility for attacks targeting Pakistani military and security forces in the region.

Pakistani security authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the alleged incident as of the latest reports available.