Attack on Chinese Engineers Thwarted by Pakistan’s Military in Balochistan
An attack on Chinese engineers in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan was successfully foiled by Pakistan’s military, resulting in the deaths of two militants and the safety of the Chinese workers, according to local police. The incident occurred in the district of Gwadar, where clashes between police and militants lasted for two hours, leaving two security personnel injured.
The Baloch Liberation Army, a militant separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement to CNN. Pakistan’s armed forces reported that at least two militants were killed and three others were injured during an exchange of fire with security forces. In response, the military has cordoned off the entire area and initiated a search operation.
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan strongly condemned the attack and called on Pakistani authorities to punish the perpetrators and take necessary measures to prevent future attacks. The embassy stated, “China will continue to work with the Pakistani side, to jointly counter the threats of terrorism and earnestly protect the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions, and projects in Pakistan.”
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least populated province, shares borders with Afghanistan and Iran. It plays a crucial role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multibillion-dollar infrastructure project between the two countries. China is a significant partner of Pakistan, providing substantial military and economic support. However, recent terrorist attacks targeting Chinese nationals and their interests in Pakistan have raised concerns in Beijing.
In April 2022, three Chinese teachers and a driver were killed in a suspected suicide bombing near the University of Karachi’s Confucius Institute. The Baloch Liberation Army also claimed responsibility for that attack, citing the Confucius Institute as a symbol of Chinese economic, cultural, and political expansionism.
This incident follows a major attack on Chinese engineers in July 2021 in northern Pakistan, where a bus carrying Chinese engineers fell into a ditch after a fiery explosion, resulting in the deaths of more than a dozen people, as reported by local police.
The security of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan remains a top priority for both countries as they work together to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of their joint initiatives.
What measures has Pakistan’s military taken to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and projects in response to recent attacks?
Pakistan’s military successfully thwarted an attack on Chinese engineers in the province of Balochistan, ensuring the safety of the workers. Local police reported that two militants were killed during the clashes, and two security personnel sustained injuries during the two-hour long confrontation.
The Baloch Liberation Army, a militant separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack. Pakistan’s armed forces engaged in an exchange of fire with the militants, resulting in the death of two attackers and injuries to three others. The military has since cordoned off the area and initiated a search operation.
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan strongly condemned the attack and called for the punishment of the perpetrators, as well as the implementation of measures to prevent future incidents. The embassy expressed that China will continue to work with Pakistan to combat terrorism and protect the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions, and projects in the country.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least populated province, shares borders with Afghanistan and Iran and plays a crucial role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). CPEC is a significant infrastructure project between the two nations, with China providing substantial military and economic support to Pakistan. However, recent attacks targeting Chinese nationals and their interests in Pakistan have raised concerns in Beijing.
In April 2022, three Chinese teachers and a driver were killed in a suspected suicide bombing near the University of Karachi’s Confucius Institute. The Baloch Liberation Army also claimed responsibility for that attack, linking it to Chinese economic, cultural, and political expansionism.
This incident follows a major attack on Chinese engineers in July 2021 in northern Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of several people. The security of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan remains a top priority for both countries as they collaborate in combatting terrorism and ensuring the safety of their joint initiatives.
