Nine policemen martyred, 15 terrorists killed in Ziarat clearance operation

A joint clearance operation launched by security forces following a terrorist attack on police in Balochistan’s Ziarat district has been completed, leaving 15 terrorists dead while nine police personnel embraced martyrdom, Aaj News reported quoting provincial authorities as saying on Tuesday.

Balochistan Chief Minister’s spokesperson, Shahid Rind, said the operation in the Kuch Mangi Phase-III area was carried out jointly by the Frontier Corps (FC), Balochistan Police, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), the Special Operations Wing, and the Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF).

He said the operation was aimed to clear the area of terrorists and locate police personnel who had gone missing after the attack.

Rind confirmed that nine police officers and personnel, including the station house officers (SHOs) of Mangi and Kawas police stations and ATF in-charge Head Constable Saifullah, were martyred in the line of duty. Their bodies are being shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Ziarat for legal formalities and post-mortem examinations.

He added that Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ghulam Sarwar and eight other police personnel who had gone missing after the attack safely reached Kach Police Station after navigating difficult mountainous terrain. Another missing constable, Rizwan, was also recovered safely.

Rind paid tribute to the fallen personnel and reaffirmed the Balochistan government’s resolve to continue anti-terror operations until militancy is completely eradicated from the province.

Heavy exchanges of fire between terrorists and police had continued in the Mangi area since Sunday night before security forces brought the situation under control through the joint operation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack by terrorists in Ziarat. He also paid tribute to the police personnel martyredin the attack and prayed for elevation of their ranks in paradise.

The premier paid tribute to the security forces for killing 15 terrorists as well.

“The attack by Fitna al-Khawarij has once again proven that these people are enemies of Balochistan’s development, peace, and the prosperity of its people. The sacrifices of the martyrs will not go in vain, and accountability will be sought for their blood.

“We will not allow anyone to damage the peace of Balochistan. The war against the terrorists, who are enemies of peace, will continue until they are completely eliminated,” he stated.