An overview of the Gwadar Port and Gwadar Free Zone from PC Hotel [File Photo/China Economic Net]
GWADAR, May 12 (China Economic Net) - Four terrorists who stormed Pearl Continental Hotel at noon of the 11th have all been killed, sources from the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan and other insiders told journalist of China Economic Net. One security guard martyred in initial attack from terrorists, and another two got injured. Thanks to the immediate and strong action against the attack from the Pakistani army, there is no Chinese casualty.
The Chinese Embassy strongly condemned terrorist attack on PC Hotel in Gwadar. It said, “the heroic action of Pakistani Army & law enforcement agencies is highly appreciated. We express condolences to the families of the security guard who sacrificed his life and two security men who were injured.”
There were no Chinese and other foreigners staying in the hotel when the incident happened, said the police. Apart from the sacrifice of one guard and two injured, there was no any other casualties.
53 Chinese people were present in the Gwadar Port and Gwadar Free Zone, hundreds meters away from the site of the incident. They were immediately transferred to a safe house under the protect of Pakistani police after the attack. Zhang Baozhong, Chairman of COPHC in charge of the operation of Gwadar port and Gwadar Free Zone, informed the public on social media platform that, “all our Chinese fellows are staying in safe area. No one is trapped or injured as claimed by some foreign media.”
The Pearl Continental (PC) Hotel is located on the Koh-e-Batil Hill, near the Gwadar Port and Gwadar Free Zone, and is secured by armed guards. A Pakistani troop is also based near the hotel. Having been to the hotel one month ago, Journalists of China Economic Net discovered that from the position of the hotel, one can get an overview of the Port and the Free Zone, and look far into distance of the whole Gwadar area. The five-star hotel is frequented by Chinese people in the initial construction phase of Gwadar port.
According to a local media, Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)claims responsibility for the attack on Pearl Continental Gwadar in emailed statement, and disclosed the names and images of 4 gunmen who carried out the Attack. This came after the attack on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi on November 23 of last year, which was also claimed by BLA.
The Chinese Consulate in Karachi issued a security reminder on the 11th, stating that, “a series of terrorist attacks have taken place in Lahore, Gwadar Port and other areas in recent days, resulting in a number of casualties. Islamabad and Lahore have both entered into the red alert, Karachi has also raised the alert level. As the risk of attacks on Chinese projects, enterprises and personnel has increased, Chinese institutions and personnel should remain on high alert at all times.
(Editor:廖一帆)