Armed men targeted construction companies working on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) road projects in Kharan and Kech districts of Balochistan, with a “pro-independence” Baloch armed group claiming responsibility.
According to reports, unidentified gunmen attacked a CPEC road construction site in Gwash Sargardan, Kharan, on Monday, February 3, setting construction machinery on fire before fleeing the scene. No casualties were reported.
The district administration confirmed the attack and stated that an investigation has been launched into the incident.
Meanwhile, in a media statement, the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) claimed responsibility for both the Kharan attack and another attack in Kech, where it said its fighters killed one military personnel and injured three others.
According to the BLF, on February 3 at 1 PM, its fighters targeted four personnel of the Frontier Works Organization (FWO)—a military-run construction company—who were working on the CPEC link road in Hoshab, Kech.
The group said, “As a result, one personnel was eliminated, and three others were wounded.”
Later that evening, at 7 PM, BLF fighters reportedly attacked another construction site near Sargardan, Kharan, setting all machinery belonging to FWO on fire.
The BLF spokesperson, Major Gwahram Baloch, reaffirmed the group’s opposition to CPEC projects, stating, “The Balochistan Liberation Front takes full responsibility for both attacks and vows to continue targeting the occupying enemy and its imperialist projects until our land is liberated.”
Baloch “pro-independence” groups have long opposed CPEC-related projects, arguing that they exploit Balochistan’s resources without benefiting local communities. The BLF and other armed groups have frequently targeted military convoys, construction companies, and infrastructure linked to the initiative.
The recent increase in attacks highlights growing security concerns for workers and military personnel deployed on CPEC projects, as the multi-billion-dollar project continues to face armed resistance in Balochistan.