Multiple Gunmen Storm Five-Star Hotel In Gwadar, Pakistan; Balochistan Liberation Army Claims Responsibility

Pakistani security forces are conducting a clearance operation at the Pearl Continental Hotel In Gwadar, Balochistan province after it was stormed by at least three gunmen, reports Dawn. At least one security guard who engaged with the attackers has been killed.

According to information released by the Pakistani Military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) the attackers have been encircled by security forces. It also stated that most guests staying at the hotel have already been evacuated.

Apart from the security guard, there are conflicting reports of casualties. Balcohistan Home Minister Mir Zia Langove asserted that some people at the hotel were injured in the firing.

Although Pakistani authorities have not divulged details as to who is behind the attack, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility through its spokesman Junaid Baloch.

Just a few weeks ago a separatist alliance of BLA is also a member entity had taken responsibility for an attack which claimed 14 Pakistani defence personnel.

Gwadar is an integral part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as China has invested billions of dollars in a bid to develop the town’s port to give it better access to the Arabian Sea and through it, to countries of the Middle-East.

Also Read: Pro-Balochistan Fighters Bomb Chinese Convoy In Karachi; Third Such Attack In Six Months