Web Desk: Security forces in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province killed 15 terrorists during a clearance operation after an attack on a police checkpoint that left nine police personnel dead, officials said.
The attack took place in the Kach Mangi Phase III area of Ziarat district, where terrorists targeted a police post, triggering an intense exchange of fire with security forces.
Ziarat Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Qadoos Dahwar said the attack began overnight and continued for several hours as police engaged the attackers in a heavy firefight.
Nine police personnel, including two station house officers (SHOs), were killed during the assault. The deceased officers included Mohammad Hussain, SHO of Mangi police station, and Sohbat Khan, SHO of Kowas police station.
Authorities moved the bodies of the fallen personnel to the District Headquarters Hospital in Ziarat, while additional police and security forces were deployed across the area following the attack.
Police said a search and clearance operation was launched to locate the attackers and secure surrounding areas.
Following the attack, security forces, Balochistan Police and other law enforcement agencies conducted a coordinated operation against the attackers.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said the clearance operation in Ziarat had been completed successfully, resulting in the deaths of 15 terrorists.
Rind said the attackers had attempted to disrupt peace in Balochistan but faced a strong response from the state.
“Security forces, Balochistan Police and law enforcement agencies have defeated the terrorists’ plans,” Rind said, adding that intelligence-based operations would continue to dismantle terrorist networks.
Officials said the operation was aimed at eliminating threats to public safety and preventing further attacks in the region.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack and paid tribute to the nine police personnel killed during the operation.
Naqvi said the sacrifices of those who lost their lives while protecting citizens would always be remembered and that such attacks would not weaken the country’s efforts against terrorism.
“The sacrifices of those who gave their lives for peace and security are a source of pride,” Naqvi said, adding that acts of violence would not derail efforts to restore stability.
Security officials said the blood of the fallen personnel would not go in vain and vowed to continue operations against groups threatening peace and security.
Rind said authorities would continue taking decisive action against elements challenging the state’s authority.
He added that there would be no safe haven for terrorists in Balochistan and that security agencies would maintain pressure through intelligence-led operations until terrorist networks were dismantled.
“Peace, stability and the protection of Balochistan’s people remain a priority,” Rind said.
Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, has witnessed repeated attacks targeting security forces, government installations and infrastructure projects. The province remains a major focus of Pakistan’s counterterrorism operations.
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