QUETTA: Nine militants belonging to a banned outfit were killed while four personnel of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) embraced martyrdom and six others sustained injuries during an intelligence-based operation carried out jointly by the CTD and security forces on the outskirts of Quetta on Saturday.
According to the CTD spokesperson, the operation was launched in the Panjpai and Nohsar areas after intelligence reports on the presence of terrorists.
A heavy gunbattle, lasting for more than three hours, erupted during the raid. Officials said an improvised explosive device (IED) also exploded during the exchange of fire, resulting in the martyrdom of four CTD personnel and injuries to six others.
The spokesperson said security forces retaliated effectively, killing nine suspected terrorists during the operation. A large quantity of weapons, ammunition, explosives and other equipment was recovered from the militants’ hideout.
The bodies of slain militants were shifted to the Civil Hospital Quetta for identification, while the injured personnel were admitted for medical treatment. Officials said the martyred CTD personnel would be laid to rest with full official honours after funeral prayers.
Media aide to the Chief Minister for Political and Media Affairs, Babar Yousafzai, confirmed the operation and said security forces would continue strict action against terrorists and their facilitators. He said operations against “Fitna al-Hindustan” and “Fitna al-Khawarij” would continue and no one would be allowed to disturb peace in Balochistan. He also paid tribute to the fallen personnel, describing them as heroes of the nation, and assured that the injured officials would receive the best possible medical treatment.
Meanwhile, Mir Sarfraz Bugti praised the successful operation carried out by the CTD and law enforcement agencies in the Kachlak and Nohsar areas. In a statement, the chief minister said the killing of nine terrorists during the intelligence-based operation reflected the professionalism, bravery and commitment of security institutions to protect the public.
He said anti-state elements would never succeed in their attempts to destabilise Balochistan and reaffirmed that operations against terrorism would continue until complete peace was restored in the province.
