Pakistan is consistently destabilized by its own jihadist groups within as the Islamic supremacist nation, known internationally for its harsh blasphemy laws, forges ties with China for economic survival.
The attack on the Pakistan military base by “the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the most prominent of several separatist groups in Balochistan,” represents crucial divides among jihadist groups. The BLA isn’t simply a “separatist” group, as it is most frequently described in the mainstream media, but a group tied to the Taliban. As reported by the Indian Council of World Affairs, two militant groups have destabilized Pakistan, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch militant groups. The TTP is also known as Pakistani Taliban. Ever since the Taliban took power in Kabul, there has been an escalation in terror attacks on Pakistan, “owing to the TTP’s emboldened posture,” and the Taliban’s “most opportune time to forge a nexus with other militant groups to stage attacks,” including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). In fact, for the past two years, “the Pakistani government has expressed heightened concern over reports of joint attacks by the BLA and the Pakistani Taliban.”
“The naval base is significant to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which also encompasses roads and energy projects and is part of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative.” Last year, China expanded its Belt and Road Initiative with its “all-weather ally” Pakistan “for regional connectivity,” in a tightening of the Red Green axis — a friendship of mutual convenience.
“Six killed in militant attack on Pakistan naval base, say officials,” by Saleem Ahmed, Reuters, March 26, 2024:
QUETTA, Pakistan, March 26 (Reuters) – Militants attacked a Pakistan naval airbase killing at least one paramilitary soldier while security forces killed all five of the assailants in retaliatory fire, officials said on Tuesday.
Monday’s attack on the Turbat base in southwestern Pakistan was the second assault by ethnic Baloch militants on a military facility in the past week.
“We escaped a huge loss,” said a statement from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office.A Pakistan Navy spokesman said all five attackers were killed after they tried to break into the base. One paramilitary soldier was also killed, said a military statement….
…The naval base is significant to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor that also encompasses roads and energy projects and is part of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative…
࿗Infidel࿘ says
This is one of those rare occasions I can consider a jihadi attack good news. Not only is it muslim-on-muslim violence, but it also sabotages Beijing’s geopolitical plans to get an outlet into the Arabian Sea and thereby a naval shortcut to Europe and Africa. It also reduces Pakistan’s value to Beijing even more
OLD GUY says
This is like a welcome Mat to China getting into the islamic fight. BIG mistake on Chinas part, but they have a lot of American dollars to spend somewhere.
Keith O says
This will be just the excuse China needs to move military personnel into Shitistan so as to protect their interests and of course to “protect their ally”.