Security – BLA Announces Naval Wing After Deadly Gwadar Sea Attack

Security – A separatist armed group operating in Pakistan’s Balochistan province has claimed responsibility for a deadly assault at sea, marking what it describes as its first organized maritime operation. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) stated that three members of Pakistan’s naval forces were killed during the incident near Jiwani in Gwadar district.

Emergence of a Maritime Strategy

In a statement issued following the attack, the group revealed that it has formally established a naval division named the Hammal Maritime Defence Force. According to its spokesperson, this unit has been created to expand the group’s operational reach beyond land-based activities and into coastal and maritime areas.

The spokesperson said the newly formed wing carried out its first mission on April 12, targeting a patrol vessel in the waters near Jiwani. The attack, as described by the group, involved heavy gunfire directed at the vessel, resulting in the deaths of three personnel on board.

Details Shared Through Video Footage

The group also circulated a video through its media platform, which appears to show masked individuals preparing for the operation. In the footage, four armed men can be seen approaching the shoreline before boarding a speedboat and heading into open waters.

The video then depicts the group advancing toward a vessel identified as belonging to Pakistan’s Coast Guard. Moments later, gunfire is heard as the attackers open fire. Prior to the assault, the individuals in the video issue a warning, asserting their continued resistance and readiness for future operations.

Casualties and Aftermath

The BLA claimed that the attack resulted in the immediate deaths of three naval personnel, identified as Naik Afzal, Sepoy Jameel, and Sepoy Umar. The group further stated that its fighters were able to withdraw safely from the scene and return to secure locations without suffering any losses.

There has been no independent verification of the claims made in the statement, and official confirmation from Pakistani authorities regarding the incident remains limited at this stage.

Expansion Beyond Land-Based Operations

The announcement of a naval wing signals a notable shift in the group’s strategy. Traditionally, the BLA has focused on operations in mountainous and urban areas within Balochistan. However, the latest development suggests an attempt to extend its activities into coastal regions and surrounding waters.

In its statement, the group indicated that the conflict is entering a new phase, one that includes maritime dimensions. It emphasized its intention to target what it described as strategic assets and movements at sea, alongside its existing operations on land.

Claims Over Coastal Resources

The group also raised concerns about the use of coastal areas and marine resources in Balochistan. It accused the Pakistani government and its international partners of exploiting local resources and restricting access for local communities, particularly fishermen.

According to the statement, the creation of the Hammal Maritime Defence Force is aimed at countering these activities. The group said it intends to disrupt maritime operations it views as exploitative and to assert control over coastal territories.

Warning of Continued Escalation

In a strongly worded message, the BLA warned that its campaign would intensify and expand geographically. It stated that its capabilities now extend to targeting installations and assets located in deeper waters, signaling a broader operational scope.

The group reiterated its long-standing demand for an independent Baloch state and said its armed struggle would continue until its objectives are achieved. It framed the latest development as part of a wider movement that is evolving in both scale and method.

The situation in Balochistan remains complex, with security concerns continuing to affect the region. The reported maritime attack adds a new dimension to the ongoing conflict, raising questions about future developments along Pakistan’s southwestern coast.