Pakistan: Heavily-armed terrorists attack five-star hotel in Balochistan's Gwadar
Heavily armed terrorists have reportedly stormed a five-star hotel in the port city of Gwadar in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province. As per initial reports, the attack was being carried out by at least three gunmen at Pearl Continental Hotel. Pakistani media reported that heavy firing could be heard from the hotel, which has been cordoned off by security forces. Here's more.
Shoot-out between terrorists and forces was underway
BBC reported that it was unclear how many guests were at the hotel at the time of the attack, which happened around 4:50 pm (local time). A shoot-out between the security forces and the gunmen was underway, said the BBC report.
Chinese officials are staying at the hotel under attack
Several reports say that the firing is still continuing at the five-star hotel and many guests have been evacuated. Many Chinese officials are reportedly staying at the Pearl Continental Hotel; visiting foreign delegations, business people, and tourists often stay at the hotel. The Gwadar port city is a key part of the multi-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project.
Banned terror outfit Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claims responsibility
"Banned terror outfit Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claims responsibility of the #Gwadar PC Hotel attack," tweeted Pakistan Intelligentsia. According to Pakistan Intelligentsia, BLA stated, "The ongoing attack is being carried out by Majeed Brigade of BLA, the terror outfit."
Attack being carried out by Majeed Brigade freedom fighters: BLA
On BLA's official Twitter handle, the outfit's spokesman Jeehand Baloch stated, "We claim the responsibility of Gawadar attack on PC hotel. The attack is being carried out by our freedom fighters of Majeed Brigade." "Our fighters have carried out this attack on Chinese and other foreign investors. Who were staying in PC hotel (sic)," BLA tweeted.
Here's what the Baloch Liberation Army tweeted
Security personnel and Chinese investors killed, claims BLA
"The clash between BLA Majeed Brigade fighters and Pakistani army is underway. PC hotel is still under the control of Our fighters. Number of security personnel and Chinese investors have been killed (sic)," the BLA tweeted.
Hotel still under the control of our fighters: BLA
BLA released a photo of the four terrorists on Twitter
While some reports said that there were three gunmen, the Baloch Liberation Army tweeted that four of its fighters were carrying out the attack. It also released a photo of the four terrorists. According to BLA, the names of the four Majeed Brigade members are Hammal Fateh Baloch alias Habib, Asad Baloch alias Mehrab, Munseb Baloch alias Kareem, and Kachkol Baloch alias Cammando.
