Security personnel thwarted the banned terrorist organisation’s bid to enter the Port Authority Colony in Gwadar, Balochistan on Wednesday, killing all eight militants. But Pakistan also lost two of its soldiers as they repulsed the attack in the strategic zone, according to the military’s media wing.

The two martyred soldiers were identified as Sepoy Bahar Khan, 35, a resident of the Dera Ghazi Khan district and Sepoy Imran Ali, 28, a resident of the Khairpur district.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations said troops employed for security responded immediately and effectively engaged the terrorists.

Earlier in the day, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti confirmed the killing of terrorists. “Eight terrorists tried to attack the Gwadar Port Authority complex today. All of them have been neutralised by security forces,” Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said in a post on social media platform X.

A large quantity of arms, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from the killed terrorists, the ISPR said.

“Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation remain determined to thwart attempts of sabotaging peace and stability of Balochistan, and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.”

Terrorists belonging to the banned Baloch Liberation Army tried to enter the sensitive area at 3:30pm, however, security forces foiled their attempt and killed eight terrorists, sources said.

Police have cordoned off the area during the operation in the area where sensitive institutions and Chinese installations are present.

The complex also hosts a passport office, the election commission office and several other government institutions.

Sources said that the exchange of fire continued for a long time and sounds of more than 10 explosions were heard and smoke billowed from the complex.

China has invested heavily in mineral-rich Balochistan, including developing Gwadar, despite a decades-long insurgency.

The militants stormed the complex in the rugged southwestern province which houses offices of different government departments, intelligence agencies and paramilitary forces, said Saeed Ahmed Umrani, a government commissioner.

“Attackers carried out many blasts,” he told Reuters, adding that it was followed with a gun attack. He said the army and police were responding to the attackers.

He said he had received reports that seven of the attackers had been killed, adding authorities were trying to confirm reports of a soldier’s death.

The BLA, the most prominent of several separatist groups in Balochistan, claimed responsibility for the assault in a statement, saying its militants attacked Pakistan intelligence agencies’ offices.

The deep-water port is key to CPEC that also encompasses roads and energy projects and is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Chinese targets have previously come under attack by several militant groups in Pakistan.

With input from Reuters