ATLANTA (Pajhwok): A number of militants have attacked Gwadar Port’s civilian and military facilities in the Balochistan province of Pakistan, reports said on Wednesday.
Some Pakistani media outlets reported citing a statement from the Inter Services Public Relation (ISPR) the militants attempted to enter different facilities at Gwadar, but the attack was thwarted by the security forces.
As a result of an armed clash, eight militants and two security personnel were killed, reports said.
However, Deputy Commissioner Aurangzeb Badini told the BBC that seven attackers and one security official were killed during the operation.
According to Badini, the number of the casualties could be higher.
Local media said explosions and gunshots were heard in administrative facilities of the port before security forces cordoned off the area.
The administrative complex houses important government offices, including those of the power utility.
Eyewitnesses told media a heavy explosion rocked the city at 3.30pm on Wednesday. They said the blast was heard in remote areas as well.
The explosion was followed by more small blasts and gunfire for an hour, witnesses added. Blasts and gunshots were also heard on video clips shared on social media.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack. The group said the attack took place when a meeting among Chinese engineers, military and civilian officials was ongoing in the area.
BLA claimed dozens of security personnel were killed in the attack.
aw/mud
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