Security forces have killed 54 terrorists in Balochistan over the past four days, while 42 security personnel and civilians lost their lives while defending the country, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said on Wednesday.
During a briefing on the security situation in Balochistan, the ISPR chief said three major terrorist incidents occurred in the province during the period, prompting large-scale operations by security forces and law enforcement agencies.
He said militants affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij targeted innocent civilians, but local communities, police, and security forces responded with courage.
According to Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif, the first major incident took place in Hanna Urak, where militants attacked residents. Local people resisted the attackers and helped clear the area, but the attack resulted in the deaths of four civilians, while six others were injured.
The second incident occurred on July 6 near the Mangi Dam pumping station, where militants attacked a police checkpoint. The ISPR chief said police personnel fought back and killed 15 terrorists, but nine police officers were martyred during the initial clash.
He added that some police personnel were taken hostage before security forces arrived. After surrounding the militants in the mountains of Ziarat, security forces continued operations from July 6, during which the terrorists killed 18 police personnel before being eliminated.
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif said that so far, 27 police personnel have been martyred in the Mangi checkpoint attack, while 26 terrorists have been killed in the operation.
The third major incident occurred in Bela, where security forces engaged terrorists linked to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The clash resulted in the deaths of 14 terrorists, while one Junior Commissioned Officer and 10 soldiers were martyred.
He said additional operations were also carried out in Kharan and Dalbandin, where security forces killed six and eight terrorists respectively.
The ISPR chief said operations against terrorists and their facilitators will continue until the threat is eliminated.
He alleged that terrorist activities in Pakistan are being supported by foreign elements and claimed that Afghanistan’s territory is being used by militants for attacks against Pakistan. He further said that several terrorists killed in recent operations were Afghan nationals.
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif said Pakistan will continue pursuing terrorists and their facilitators, adding that no group can threaten the country’s sovereignty and stability.
“Pakistan and Balochistan will remain standing,” he said, adding that the state, armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and citizens are united in the fight against terrorism.
