Top Indian Intelligence sources said, ‘China should be worried about the recent attacks by groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) targeting Beijing’s interests in Balochistan’.
They added, Pakistan’s failure to handle attacks on Beijing’s investments in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a cause for concern.
Attacks increase the risks to Chinese workers and projects, according to the media sources, potentially delaying or derailing CPEC, a significant key part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with major projects like the Gwadar port (CPEC projects in Balochistan).
The BLA attacks Chinese workers and infrastructure, such as convoys and projects, which directly threatens China’s investments and personnel safety.
Recent incidents, such as Jaffar Express hijack, show the BLA’s growing capabilities. The BLA brigade has 5,000 fighters, and they have acquired US weapons provided to Pakistan following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.
The BLA has also evolved following 2018, especially by adopting tactics used by militant Islamist groups, like suicide bombings.
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