A paramilitary solider was martyred and four heavily-armed terrorists were killed when the security forces personnel thwarted a militant attack on a naval base near Turbat Airport in Balochistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, ISPR, on Tuesday morning, the brave security forces personnel foiled the attack on PNS Siddique Airbase in Turbat on Monday night killing all four terrorists involved in the attack.
Inter-Services Public Relations statement said “On night between 25/26 March 2024, terrorists attempted to attack Pakistan Naval Base, PNS Siddique in Turbat which was thwarted due to the swift and effective response by the troops ensuring the safety and security of personnel and assets.”
The statement further said “Security forces in the vicinity were immediately mobilized to support the naval troops. Synergetic and effective response by the armed forces enabled killing of all four terrorists in ensuing joint clearance operation.”
While repelling the attack, 24-year-old Sepoy Noman Fareed embraced martyrdom. He belonged to the Balochistan Frontier Corps. “Pakistan armed forces remain committed to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country at all costs,” the ISPR added.
Talking to media men, Makran Division Commissioner Saeed Ahmad Umrani said the terrorists stormed the airport from three sides – Airport side, football stadium and Sorap Dam – and heave exchange of fire and blasts were reported from near the airport.
The security forces, however, responded swiftly thwarting their plan to enter the airport premises, the commissioner said.
Saeed Umran praised the security forces, saying their timely action prevented terrorists from reaching the naval base.
Sources in police said that the terrorist attack started at 10:15 pm Monday night which continued until Sehri time on Tuesday.
Local residents said they heard uninterrupted firing and explosions until 11:00 pm. This continued even after 1:00 am, they said, adding after which it died down slowly.
The residents further informed that helicopters were monitoring the operation from the air throughout the attack.
Reports said the target of the terrorists was said to be PNS Siddiqui Naval Base. Security officials said a special operation wing of FC and the navy’s special services group successfully isolated the terrorists. “No loss of sensitive naval installations reported,” they added.
The banned Balochistan Liberation Army claimed that its Majeed Brigade was behind the attack.
According to a spokesperson for the Pakistan Navy, the terrorists attempted to enter the base from the Turbat Civil Airport premises. The terrorists lobbed hand grenades and opened fire at the entrance to the base. However, the swift and coordinated response from Pakistan Navy personnel repelled the attack, as a result of which the terrorists could not enter the naval base and were all eliminated.
The spokesman claimed that in response to the attempted breach, a joint clearance operation of the Pakistan Navy, Frontier Corps, and the police was launched to sweep the surrounding areas for any potential threats and remaining terrorists.
He further said that all the naval personnel present at the base, as well as the assets, remained safe.
However, ISPR said that in the exchange of fire, Sepoy Nauman Fareed of the Balochistan FC was martyred. The 24-year-old official belonged to Muzaffargarh.
No casualties were reported among the civilians. The PNS Siddique is among the biggest naval air stations in the country.
Makran division Commissioner Saeed Ahmed Umrani provided additional details, stating that the attackers attempted to infiltrate the airport from three to four surrounding locations. However, the security personnel deputed at the location held them back.
He further said that during the attack, an exchange of heavy gunfire between the security forces and the terrorists, as well as explosions, could be heard. Additionally, he explained that the navy base was established inside the airport, but at quite a distance.
He also said that the Majeed Brigade of the banned organization, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), claimed responsibility for the attack.
Previously, the BLA had carried out at an attack on the Gwadar Port Authority’s residential complex on March 20. Two security personnel were martyred in the attack. Later, eight terrorists were killed in retaliatory action by security forces.
PM commends security forces
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has commended security forces for foiling the terrorist attack on Turbat Naval Base.
In a statement on Tuesday, Shehbaz acknowledged that due to timely and effective action of security forces, the terrorists were neutralized, preventing a potentially significant loss.
He reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to eradicating the menace of terrorism. He emphasized that the entire nation stands firmly behind its courageous security forces.
Interior Minister commends security forces
Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi has lauded the alertness and bravery of security forces for thwarting a militant attack on a naval base near Turbat Airport.
In a statement, Interior Minister said that timely action of security forces saved the country from another catastrophe.
He praised security officers for thwarting the nefarious designs of terrorists and sent them to their final destination.
Moshin Naqvi also appreciated the bravery of martyred sepoy Nauman Farid who laid of his life but not allowed the terrorists to enter the building.
Interior Minister further said that entire nation was proud of security forces jawans.
He said entire nation supported Pak Army in its fight against terrorism.
He pledged that security forces and federal government will eradicate menace of terrorism at all cost.
According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, ISPR, on Tuesday morning, the security forces personnel foiled the attack on PNS Siddique Airbase in Turbat on Monday night killing all four terrorists involved in the attack.
Reporters Ahmad Mansoor and Essa Tarin