QUETTA, Pakistan (Diya TV) — A deadly attack in the Arabian Sea has raised fresh concerns about regional security after three Pakistan Coast Guard personnel were killed near the Pakistan-Iran border. Officials said the incident marks a significant shift in tactics by insurgent groups operating in Balochistan.
Security officials confirmed that militants targeted a Coast Guard patrol boat during a routine operation on Sunday. The attackers opened fire in coastal waters near the Pakistan-Iran border, killing three personnel on board. Authorities described the assault as the first known maritime attack on Pakistan’s coastal security forces.
The banned separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility. In a statement, the group said the attack represents a new phase in its military strategy. It emphasized that it has expanded operations beyond land-based targets into maritime zones. This development has raised alarms among security analysts. They warn that the move could increase risks for coastal infrastructure and shipping routes in the Arabian Sea.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province, has long faced an insurgency led by separatist groups. These groups demand greater autonomy and a larger share of the region’s natural resources. Attacks often target security forces, government installations, and economic projects.
Officials said the latest attack adds to ongoing security challenges in the region. Militants have stepped up operations in recent months, increasing pressure on law enforcement agencies. The province holds strategic importance due to its location and resources. It also serves as a key route for major development projects linked to regional trade.
The coastal district of Gwadar remains a focal point of security concerns. The city hosts a deep-sea port that plays a central role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Gwadar has witnessed repeated attacks by separatist militants in recent years. These incidents often target security forces and infrastructure linked to the project. Authorities fear that expanding militant operations into maritime areas could threaten shipping activity and economic investments. Security experts say protecting Gwadar and nearby coastal zones has become more critical than ever. The latest attack highlights vulnerabilities in maritime security systems.
The incident comes amid rising tensions in the region. Earlier this year, Pakistan conducted airstrikes that led to a brief conflict involving neighboring Afghanistan. Islamabad has accused the Taliban-led government of allowing militant groups to operate from its territory.
Pakistan officials claim that groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army receive support or a haven from Afghanistan. However, the Taliban government has denied these allegations. Analysts say such tensions complicate counterterrorism efforts. Cross-border dynamics make it harder to track and prevent militant activity.
