‘54 terrorists neutralized’: DG ISPR details response to recent Balochistan attacks
The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, said Pakistan has witnessed “three major terrorist incidents” in Balochistan over the past few days. He said security forces and law enforcement agencies launched immediate operations against the attackers.
The first incident took place near Quetta, where armed terrorists attacked local residents. According to the military spokesman, local people resisted bravely before the attackers fled the area.
He said four civilians were martyred and six others were injured during the attack. Security forces later moved in and started search and clearance operations.
The second major attack targeted a police checkpost protecting Pumping Station No.3 of Mangi Dam in Ziarat district. Terrorists launched a “multidirectional attack”, leading to a fierce exchange of fire with police personnel.
Lt Gen Chaudhry said nine policemen were martyred in the initial assault. He added that security reinforcements reached the area after the attackers had taken several police officials hostage.
Security forces continued surrounding the terrorists while trying to ensure the safety of the hostages. The military avoided using air strikes because of the risk to the captured police personnel.
The DG ISPR said another 18 policemen were martyred during the continuing operation in the mountains of Ziarat. He added that the operation remains underway and more terrorists have been killed.
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The third incident happened near Bela, where terrorists attacked an army convoy close to the N-25 highway. According to the military, 11 soldiers, including one junior commissioned officer and 10 soldiers, embraced martyrdom during the attack.
He said 14 terrorists involved in the Bela attack were killed during the security response. Additional operations in Kharan and Dalbandin also resulted in the killing of more militants.
According to the DG ISPR, the total number of martyrs from the three attacks reached 42, including four civilians, 27 policemen and 11 security personnel. He added that security forces have so far confirmed the killing of 54 terrorists in different operations across Balochistan.
Lt Gen Chaudhry said the army, Frontier Corps, intelligence agencies and other law enforcement departments are continuing operations both on the ground and from the air. He said action against the terrorists will continue until every operation reaches its intended conclusion.
