PNS Siddique Attack: Pakistans second-largest naval air station located in Turbat has been rocked after multiple explosions and gunfire, according to the local media. The outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack on the Naval Airbase in Turbat through the Majeed Brigade.The Majeed Brigade claims that China and Pakistan are abusing the resources in the area and is against China making investments in the province of Balochistan. The Balochistan Post reports that the BLA says its fighters have made it inside the airbase. Furthermore, this base is also home to Chinese drones.Meanwhile, in the wake of the incident, District Health Officer Kech declared an emergency at Teaching Hospital Turbat and all physicians have been asked to report at duty with immediate effect.Notably, todays attack in Turbat marks the second attack of the week and the third attack of this year by the BLA Majeed Brigade. Earlier on January 29, it attacked Pakistans second-largest Naval installation in Turbat, Pakistan, on March 20 which claimed life of at least 2 Pakistani soldiers and eight terrorists were killed in the attack.Overview of PNS SiddiqueFormerly known as Naval Air Station, Turbat, Pakistan Naval Station Siddique, located in Turbat city of Balochistans Makran region, serves as a vital naval air station and military airport. Among the four active Naval Air Arm bases, it stands as the second largest after PNS Mehran.PNS Siddique: Historical BackgroundTurbat, a modest town with a population of under 200,000, boasts an international airport (IATA code: TUK), facilitating flights to Muscat, Sharjah, Karachi, Gwadar, and Dalbandin. Commissioned on 3rd September 2014 by Pakistans Naval Chief Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila, PNS Siddique marked a significant step in the strategic relocation of Pakistan Navy assets from Karachi to less congested regions. This move aimed to enhance operational resilience following historical vulnerabilities exposed during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.PNS Siddique: Current OperationsEquipped with a modern runway capable of accommodating large aircraft, PNS Siddique enables the Pakistan Navy to deploy maritime patrol aircraft (MPAs) such as the Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion from this strategic outpost in Turbat. This diversification of assets signifies a shift in Pakistan Navys operational strategy, reducing dependency on PNS Mehran, which suffered a tragic insurgent attack in 2011, resulting in the loss of two P-3C Orion MPAs.The attack on PNS Siddiqui underscores the complex security challenges faced by Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan. As authorities investigate the incident, it reiterates the imperative for robust security measures to safeguard vital installations and counter insurgent threats effectively. Amidst regional tensions and ongoing unrest, ensuring the safety and integrity of Pakistans military infrastructure remains a critical priority.
