At least four security officials martyred in Kuchlak shootout

Police confirm one 'terrorist' also among the dead

QUETTA:

At least four Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) officials were martyred and a suspected terrorist killed during an intelligence-based operation in Kuchlak, a small town near Balochistan's provincial capital.

During a raid at a house, police sources said that "the terrorists entered the residence and ambushed the ATF team" resulting in a shootout between the two parties.

The security officials that lost their lives during the exchange of fire were identified as Ali Akbar, Faiz Muhammad, Muhammad Javed and Chenghaiz Khan.

After the completion of the operation, police said that "search and sweep" operations were underway.

Chief Minister Balochistan Abdul Qudous Bizenjo regretted the incident as he termed the four officials "martyrs".

"They were martyred during the encounter with the terrorists setting an example of courage and bravery," he said.

The CM also said that "those who sacrificed their lives in the war against terrorism are the heroes of the nation" while reiterating the provincial government's commitment to the "complete elimination of terrorism".

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"The security forces are fighting the scourge of terrorism with great determination and valour," he maintained.

The funeral prayers of the four police officers were also performed on Tuesday (today). IG Police, IGFC and Corps Commander Quetta and other officers participated in the funeral prayers.

On Friday, the National Security Committee decided to launch a comprehensive operation against terrorists, as the country’s civil and military leadership virtually issued a charge sheet against the previous government and the establishment for allowing the banned TTP to regroup.

The high-level huddle chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by services chiefs and top intelligence officials as well as senior cabinet ministers came against the backdrop of a host of developments -- both on the political and security fronts.

Notably, the "all-out comprehensive operation" against terrorist outfits in Pakistan is the first such offensive against terrorism since 2016.