QUETTA/RAWALPINDI: Security forces and law enforcement agencies on Saturday foiled a series of coordinated militant attacks across Balochistan, killing at least 92 foreign-sponsored terrorists in counter operations at 12 locations, while 15 security personnel embraced martyrdom during fierce engagements.
According to an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement, on Saturday terrorists of Indian sponsored Fitna al Hindustan attempted to disturb peace of Balochistan by conducting multiple terrorist activities around Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar and Pasni.
On behest of their foreign masters, these cowardly acts of terrorism were aimed at disrupting the lives of local populace and development of Balochistan by targeting innocent civilians in District Gwadar and Kharan, wherein, terrorists maliciously targeted 18 innocent civilians (including women, children, elderly and labourers) who embraced Shahadat, the statement said.
Security forces and law enforcement agencies being fully alert immediately responded and successfully thwarted the evil design of terrorists displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence. “Our valiant troops carried out engagement of terrorists with precision and after prolong, intense and daring clearance operation across Balochistan, sent 92 terrorists including three suicide bombers to hell, ensuring security and protection of local populace,” the military’s media wing said.
Tragically, during clearance operations and intense standoffs, 15 brave sons of soil, having fought gallantly, made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat.
Sanitization operations in these areas are being continuously conducted and the instigators, perpetrators, facilitators and abettors of these heinous and cowardly acts, targeting innocent civilians and LEAs personnel, will be brought to justice.
Intelligence reports have unequivocally confirmed that the attacks were orchestrated and directed by terrorists’ ring leaders operating from outside Pakistan, who were in direct communication with the terrorists throughout the incident. Earlier, on January 30 (Friday), 41 terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan and Fitna al Khwarij were killed in Panjgur and Harnai. With these successful operations in the last two days, the total number of terrorists killed in the ongoing operations in Balochistan has reached 133. Relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under the vision “Azm e Istehkam” (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by security forces and LEAs of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country, the ISPR statement concluded.
According to reports, in Gwadar, militants killed five members of a labourer family belonging to Khuzdar. Security sources said the victims included men, women and children who had come to the coastal city for work. Separately, six militants were killed during an attack on the Maritime Security Agency (MSA) naval camp in Pasni after a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the main gate. One MSA soldier was martyred and another injured.
Quetta witnessed multiple attacks targeting police vehicles, checkpoints and police stations, including the Police Training Centre, Red Zone areas and major roads. Security forces neutralised several attackers after prolonged exchanges of fire that continued late into the night.
In Mastung, Kalat and Pasni, terrorists attempted to target government buildings and security installations. Several people were injured in gun and bomb attacks in Mastung, where terrorists also freed more than 30 prisoners from the Central Jail. Clashes were reported near the DC headquarters and Police Lines in Kalat.
In Noshki, terrorists abducted Deputy Commissioner Hussain Hazara along with his family and later released a video showing the official in captivity. In Pasni, a Coast Guards post came under attack but security forces successfully repelled the assault, officials said. In Kharan, political and tribal leader Shahid Malazai and six of his guards were killed when militants attacked his residence. Three attackers were also killed in a subsequent exchange of fire. In Kalat, armed men attacked police stations and banks, injuring three police personnel and forcing the closure of markets due to fear and panic.
The outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for Saturday’s attacks, according to a report by the AFP news agency. The group claimed to target military installations and police and civil administration officials in gun attacks and suicide bombings.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti visited the site of a bomb blast in Quetta. He said the state was fully committed to the fight against terrorism and would continue operations until the last militant is eliminated. He praised the police and CTD for their timely response, which he said prevented greater loss of life. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi echoed the resolve, stating that the sacrifices of security personnel would never go in vain.
Funeral prayers for the martyred police personnel were offered at the Police Lines, Quetta, attended by senior civil and military leadership. In view of the security situation, mobile internet services, train operations and several national highways were temporarily suspended, while Quetta largely remained shut as residents stayed indoors amid heightened security.
Attending the funeral prayers, Mohsin Naqvi and Sarfraz Bugti reaffirmed that the resolve of the state and people against terrorism in Balochistan remains unshakable, stressing that the sacrifices of brave martyrs will never go in vain.
At the Police Lines, they met security forces personnel and the families of martyrs. Bugti said the brave (personnel) confronted terrorists with courage and determination, adding that the state has always stood with the oppressed and will continue to do so.
Assuring the bereaved families, the chief minister vowed that every drop of the martyrs’ blood would be avenged and urged the families to remain steadfast and patient.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the bravery of security forces and the public, saying that the personnel carried out effective and decisive action against terrorists. He described the sacrifices of martyrs as unforgettable and said the entire nation salutes them.
Balochistan CM’s Special Adviser Shahid Rind, in a post on ‘X’, said that operations are continuing, with security forces pursuing fleeing militants to ensure all are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have appreciated the effective actions of security forces against terrorists in Balochistan.
In their separate statements, they paid tribute to the security personnel and innocent civilians who laid down their lives during the operations. They praised the professionalism of armed forces and law enforcement agencies for successfully thwarting the Fitna Al Hindustan s attacks at various locations. The prime minister paid tribute to the guardians of the homeland for killing leading terrorists, supported by India.
Shehbaz said: “We will continue the fight against the menace of terrorism until it is completely eradicated,” the premier remarked. He stressed that the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan’s armed forces in their determination to protect the homeland.
Speaking to Geo News, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that the attacks were Fitna Al Hindustan’s “desperate move”. “The security forces were alert at all locations and not taken by surprise […] and this is why such a large-scale attack was repelled,” he added.
Lamenting the martyrdoms of Baloch labour families at the hands of Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) terrorists, the federal minister said that terrorists are being pursued, coupled with aerial monitoring.
“The PM is fully aware of the situation and is in continuous contact [with relevant authorities],” he added.
