Security forces kill 13 terrorists in cleanup operation

ISPR says four to five remaining terrorists in Panjgur surrounded by troops

RAWALPINDI:

The security forces have killed up to 13 terrorists so far while “successfully” repulsing two separate attacks in Panjgur and Naushki districts of Balochistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement.

Nine terrorists have been killed in Naushki while four in Panjgur where the operation to eliminate fleeing terrorists is under way.

Four soldiers, including an officer, were martyred while repulsing the attack on Wednesday night.

At least four to five remaining terrorists are surrounded by troops in Panjgur, the military’s media wing said on Thursday, adding that the operation is "continuing".

The military's media wing elaborated that five terrorists were killed by security forces in Naushki, bringing the toll to nine.

"Security forces carried out clearance operations to hunt down terrorists hiding in the area."

The ISPR said communication between the terrorists and their handlers in India and Afghanistan was also intercepted.

The almost simultaneous attacks started on Wednesday night, targetting the camps of local security forces in Panjgur and Naushki.

Addressing a news conference, Adviser to Balochistan Chief Minister on Home and Tribal Affairs Mir Ziaullah Langau said that clearance operation to arrest the militants behind attacks on security forces was continuing in Panjgur.

He confirmed that the security agencies had intercepted communication between the perpetrators of Panjgur and Naushki attacks and their handlers sitting in the neighbouring countries.

"Brave forces of Pakistan have always rendered matchless sacrifices for the security and peace of the homeland," he said, adding that timely response by the security forces saved Panjgur and Naushki from a huge loss of human lives.

“Attacks by the anti-peace elements on security check posts were successfully repulsed,” he added.

The Panjgur bazaar has been shut down and would remain closed till the four to five fleeing terrorists were arrested, he maintained.

Expressing concern over the increasing incidents of terror in some parts of the province, he said that foreign forces were patronising the anti-peace elements operating in Balochistan.

Reiterating the government resolve, he stressed that the country's forces would defeat the nefarious designs of the enemy.

“We are proud of our soldiers who successfully repulsed the attacks of coward enemy while inflicting heavy damage upon the terrorists,” he added.

Read: PM Imran lauds armed forces for repulsing terror attacks in Panjgur, Naushki

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan lauded the country's armed forces for “repulsing” the terror attacks.

“We salute our brave soldiers who have repulsed terrorist attacks on military camps in Balochistan, Panjgur and Naushki,” Premier Imran said on his official Twitter handle.

“The whole nation stands united behind its soldiers who are making great sacrifices for our protection and defence.”

In a statement on Thursday, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid strongly condemned the terrorist attacks on camps of security forces.

Rashid appreciated the security forces for repulsing the terrorist attacks on security camps.

He said, “Our armed forces are fully capable to cope with the menace of terrorism. I pay tribute to the determination and courage of the security forces in eradicating terrorism."

He said security forces would never allow terrorists to succeed in their nefarious design.
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the terrorist attack on the security forces.

“We pay tribute to the Armed Forces for their bravery in the face of terrorist attacks in Balochistan,” the PML-N president said on Twitter. “The people salute their brave sons who have sacrificed their lives for the defence, security and peace of the motherland.”

He said the nation was united to eradicate terrorism.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also condemned the attacks on security forces by terrorists.

“Terrorism in any form is a killer of civilisation and humanity,” he said in a statement. “Elements challenging state authority should be dealt with iron fists.”

Bilawal said that the sacrifices of the security forces were “a testament to our commitment to safeguarding our national sovereignty”.

“The whole nation is united against the terrorists, the sacrifices of the security forces will not go in vain.”

Bilawal expressed heartfelt sympathy and solidarity with the families of the martyrs and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured soldiers.

The attacks were the latest in a string of terrorist acts seen in recent weeks in the province. Last week, the ISPR said that terrorists attacked a check post in the Kech district of Balochistan in which 10 soldiers were martyred.

According to the ISPR, the “fire raid” by terrorists in Kech had occurred on the night between January 25 and 26. It had stated that the forces repulsed the attack and “during intense exchange of fire” one terrorist was also killed and several others injured.