38 security personnel, 4 civilians martyred, 54 terrorists killed in Balochistan: DG ISPR

ISLAMABAD: Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Wednesday said that 42 people, including 11 soldiers, 27 police personnel and four civilians, were martyred in three separate attacks by Khwarij in Balochistan, while security forces killed 54 terrorists belonging to Indian Proxy Fitna Al Khwarij (FAK) during subsequent operations.

Addressing a press conference, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that India is orchestrating the terror attacks in Balochistan.

Lt Gen Chaudhry said security forces responded swiftly and effectively to the attacks, eliminating 54 terrorists in intelligence-based and follow-up operations.

India involved

He said that India is behind the recent wave of terrorism in Pakistan, stating that forces opposed to Pakistan’s peace, stability and economic progress are supporting such activities.

The DG ISPR also said that a majority of the terrorists involved in the attacks were Afghan nationals, adding that security agencies possessed evidence regarding their involvement.

He reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces, law enforcement agencies and intelligence institutions remained committed to eliminating terrorism and would continue operations against terrorist groups.

The military spokesperson said the sacrifices of the security forces and civilians would not go in vain, vowing that all those involved in acts of terrorism would be brought to justice.

Hanna Urak attack

He said the first incident occurred on the night of July 4 and 5 in Hanna Urak, where terrorists targeted innocent civilians. Four civilians were martyred and six others were injured in the attack.

Lt Gen Chaudhry said local residents responded bravely and fought back against the attackers, forcing them to flee the area.

Ziarat attack

The second major incident took place at Mangi Dam Quetta Pumping Station No. 3 in Ziarat district, which supplies water to Quetta. According to the DG ISPR, terrorists attacked a police checkpoint deployed for the protection of the pumping station and water pipeline.

He said police personnel engaged the attackers and killed 15 terrorists during the initial exchange of fire, while nine police officials embraced martyrdom. The remaining police personnel were abducted by the terrorists.

The DG ISPR said security forces launched an operation in the mountains of Ziarat to recover the abducted personnel and eliminate the attackers. During the operation, another 11 terrorists were killed, but the terrorists executed all 18 abducted police officials, who were residents of the Ziarat area.

He said a total of 27 police personnel were martyred in the Ziarat attack, while 26 terrorists were killed in the operation. He added that the engagement with terrorists was still ongoing in the mountains of Ziarat.

Bela, Winder attack

The third attack took place in the Bela area of Winder, Balochistan, where the banned terror outfit Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) targeted a security forces convoy. Lt Gen Chaudhry said 11 security personnel, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), were martyred during the attack, while 14 terrorists were killed during the clash.

Kharan, Dalbandin IBOs

He said security forces also conducted operations in Kharan and Dalbandin, killing six and eight terrorists, respectively.

The DG ISPR said that 42 people had been martyred so far, while security forces had eliminated 54 terrorists.

Afghan Taliban regime

Lt Gen Chaudhry said that the Afghan Taliban regime was providing support and facilities to terrorists involved in attacks against Pakistan. He said those carrying out such attacks had a problem with Pakistan’s progress and development.

He said Balochistan was the “heart and pride of Pakistan” and its development and prosperity was an undeniable reality. He added that terrorists were even targeting projects aimed at benefiting the people of Quetta, including the water supply pipeline from Mangi Dam.

The DG ISPR said Pakistan’s armed forces, law enforcement agencies and the public were jointly fighting the war against terrorism and would succeed because “they are on the right path.”

He warned that those targeting Pakistani citizens, police personnel and security forces would not be dealt with through dialogue alone. He said all illegal Afghan citizens would be expelled from the country and reiterated that the security forces, under the leadership of Field Marshal, were prepared to eliminate terrorism.