21 terrorists killed, six officials martyred in Balochistan: ISPR

At least 21 terrorists belonging to Indian-sponsored proxies of Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij have been killed and six officials martyred in multiple engagements with the security forces in different parts of Balochistan, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday.

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the terrorists were killed on the night of 31 August-1 September in Nokcha, Chagai district, and Ziarat Cross, Pishin District.

“On 31 August, terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan attempted to disrupt the peaceful movement of commuters along N-40 Quetta-Taftan Highway by establishing an illegal checkpoint for extortion. Security Forces responded immediately and, after an intense fire exchange, killed 11 terrorists on the spot,” the ISPR said, adding that a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the terrorists.

Last night, terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij launched a coordinated attack in an attempt to breach the Customs House, the military said, adding that security forces responded effectively and, after an intense fire exchange, killed 10 terrorists. “Moreover, fleeing terrorists were also engaged by the security forces, inflicting further casualties,” it maintained.

The attack on the Customs House was a manifestation of the terror-crime nexus, orchestrated to prevent Customs officials from performing their lawful duties and thereby facilitate the continuation of criminal activities in the area, the military said.

“However, during the exchange of fire, six brave sons of the soil, including two officers and a government official from the Customs Department, made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and embraced martyrdom,” it added.

The ISPR said sanitization operations were continuing in the surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining terrorists and ensure the safety and security of the local population as well as the vital national highways.

“The relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue with full resolve. Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies remain committed to eliminating the menace of foreign-sponsored and foreign-supported terrorism from the country,” it said.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the security forces for killing 21 terrorists in multiple operations in Balochistan and paid tribute to six personnel who were martyred during the engagements.

President Zardari commended the security forces for eliminating 21 terrorists in Chagai and Pishin and foiling a terrorist attack on the Customs House.

He also praised the forces for thwarting attempts by terrorists to establish an illegal checkpoint on the Quetta-Taftan Highway and disrupt the movement of passengers.

The president appreciated the professionalism and operational capabilities of the security forces in effectively targeting terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij.

He expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of six personnel, including two officers and a Customs official, during the operations.

 “The martyrs set a great example of defending the motherland by sacrificing their lives in the line of duty,” President Zardari said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the security forces for killing 21 terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan during separate operations in Nok Kundi, Chagai, Ziarat Cross and Pishin.

The prime minister expressed grief over the martyrdom of six personnel, including two Customs officers and an official, in the terrorist attack on the Customs House.

“We share the grief of the martyrs’ families,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said.

He said the sacrifices of security personnel in the fight against terrorism would never go in vain.

“The government is determined to completely eliminate terrorism from the country,” he said.