An armed attack has targeted the Zarghun gas field, located 64 kilometers from the capital of Balochistan, days after a major attack at a similar site in Balochistan’s Kalat district.
The attack targeted Pakistani forces guarding the installation. Initial reports suggest casualties among the security personnel, but officials have not confirmed this.
The attackers also reportedly damaged surveillance cameras at the site, an act that suggests an attempt to disrupt the operational security of the facility.
The Zarghun gas field is operated by Mari Petroleum Company. It is believed to hold reserves of 77 billion cubic feet and is capable of producing 20 million cubic feet of gas per day, with projections to continue at this rate for 15 years.
This latest attack follows a major operation by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in the Iskalko area of Kalat just days earlier. In that attack, Baloch insurgents captured a military camp and surrounding posts, reportedly killing 11 Pakistani soldiers and maintaining control for over twelve hours.
The Iskalko camp was reportedly established to protect projects operated by Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) in the region. BLA spokesperson, Jeeyand Baloch, accused PPL of exploiting Baloch resources under the guise of oil and gas exploration. He warned the company to cease operations immediately.
The strategic implications of these attacks are considerable, suggesting a pattern of attempts by Baloch armed groups to establish control and disrupt the operations of major oil and gas companies in Balochistan.
As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the latest attack on the Zarghun gas field.