Lt Col Laiq Baig Mirza shot dead in Balochistan rescue operation

ISPR says armed forces determined to recover innocent civilian hostage, apprehend perpetrators

A lieutenant colonel of the Pakistan Army, who was abducted on the night between July 12 and 13 while returning from Quetta, was shot dead while two terrorists were also killed in a rescue operation.

According to the military’s media wing, on the night between July 12 and 13, a group of 10-12 terrorists abducted Lieutenant Colonel Laiq (serving in DHA Quetta) and his cousin Umer Javed while returning to Quetta near Warchoom, Ziarat, after having visited Quaid's residency.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, “On receipt of information, Army Quick Reaction Forces were immediately despatched to chase fleeing terrorists who traced them moving to their hideouts in general area Mangi Dam. A deliberate search operation was launched by security forces using SSG troops and helicopters.

Also read: Security forces kill four terrorists in North Waziristan IBO

“Resultantly, on the night of July 13/14, a group of six to eight terrorists was spotted moving in a Nullah in nearby mountains by one of the teams of the security forces. On sensing their possible encirclement, terrorists shot Lieutenant Colonel Laiq Shaheed and attempted to flee.”

The ISPR said that in ensuing exchange of fire, two terrorists were killed while a cache of IEDs, explosives and ammunition was recovered.

However, in the process, the ISPR said, remaining terrorists along with the other abductee Umer were able to flee for the time being.

The ISPR said that the armed forces were determined to recover the innocent civilian hostage and apprehend perpetrators, and the sanitisation operation in the area by security forces continued unabated despite bad weather conditions.

“The security forces remain resolute to thwart such cowardly attempts at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan.”