Eighteen soldiers were martyred and 23 terrorists slain in various sanitization operations in Balochistan over the past 24 hours, the military’s media wing announced on Saturday.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said terrorists had attempted to establish roadblocks in the Mangocher area of Balochistan’s Kalat district. “On behest of inimical and hostile forces, this cowardly act of terrorism was aimed at disrupting the peaceful environment of Balochistan by targeting mainly the innocent civilians,” it said.
To counter the militants, security forces and law enforcement agencies mobilized and successfully thwarted them. The resulting shootout killed 12 terrorists, ensuring security and protection of the local populace.
“However, during the conduct of operations, 18 brave sons of soil, having fought gallantly, made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat,” it said.
The ISPR said security forces subsequently launched sanitization operations to ensure the perpetrators, facilitators and abettors of this heinous and cowardly act are brought to justice. During one such operation in Harnai district, troops effectively engaged terrorists, killing 11 of them, and destroying multiple hideouts.
Overall, said the military’s media wing, 23 terrorists had been killed in various operations across Balochistan over the past 24 hours.
“Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” it added.
President condemns
In a statement, President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack in Kalat and expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of 18 security personnel.
Paying tribute to the martyred personnel, he prayed for their high ranks and for the bereaved families to bear the losses with fortitude.
According to a press release issued by the President’s Secretariat, he also praised the security forces for their timely action in killing the militants. He observed that terrorist elements wish to disrupt the peace of Balochistan and reiterated that security forces would continue their operations to eliminate enemies of the country.
The people of Pakistan have rejected elements seeking to disturb law and order, he said, adding the entire nation supported its security forces in the fight against terrorism.
Pakistan is in the midst of a terror resurgence, particularly in the provinces of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Last year, at least 685 members of security forces lost their lives in 444 terror attacks. Including civilians, the number of casualties rose to 1,612 fatalities, compared to the killing of 934 militants.