Three terrorists killed, soldier among 5 martyred in Gwadar attack: ISPR

ISPR says clearance operation completed; two army captains, two navy soldiers among six injured

Pakistan Army's media wing on Sunday announced that three terrorists were killed and five people, which include four hotel workers and a Pakistan Navy soldier, were martyred in the attack on a luxury hotel in Gwadar.

In a statement announcing the completion of a clearance operation at Pearl Continental, Gwadar, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that six people, which include two army captains, two navy soldiers and two hotel employees, were injured in the attack.

The ISPR said the terrorists attempted to enter the hotel with the aim of targeting or taking guests hostage.

A security guard at the entry point challenged the terrorists and denied them entry into the main hall, forcing them to take a staircase leading to the upper floors. It was in this exchange of fire that a security guard named Zahoor embraced martyrdom.

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The attackers kept firing indiscriminately as they ascended the stairs and martyred three hotel employees identified as Farhad, Bilawal and Awais, while two more workers suffered injuries.

The ISPR said Quick Reaction Forces of the army, navy and police immediately reached the hotel to secure and evacuate guests and staff members.

They managed to restrict the terrorists to the corridor of the hotel's fourth floor and, after ensuring safe evacuation of guests and staff, launched a clearance operation to eliminate the attackers.

The terrorists, as per the ISPR statement, had rendered useless all CCTV cameras on the fourth floor and had planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at all entry points of the floor.

However, the security personnel soon managed to establish special entry points to the floor and shot dead all three terrorists and defused the IEDs.

In this exchange of fire, a Pakistan Navy soldier, Abbas Khan, embraced martyrdom, while two army captains and two navy soldiers were injured.

The statement said the terrorists bodies have been held for identification. It further added that DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor had appreciated Pakistan's media outlets for their responsible reporting and coverage of the operation.

It said the limited coverage "denied terrorists of possible live updates" and "facilitated security forces in smooth execution of the operation".