Two terrorists killed as forces repel ambush in Gwadar

Soldier martyred, four extremists eliminated in Bajaur IBO

RAWALPINDI/ QUETTA:

Security forces killed two terrorists in a swift response on Sunday to an attack on a military convoy in Gwadar district, hours after a soldier was martyred, while four extremists were killed in another operation in Bajaur district.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the military, the terrorists attacked the military convoy in Gwadar, Balochistan, at 10am, using small arms and hand-grenades.

“Due to efficient and swift response, two terrorists were sent to hell with no harm to any military or civil persons,” it said, adding that the security forces were determined to thwart the enemy to ensure peace and prosperity in the country.

The attack targeted Chinese passengers travelling from Gwadar airport towards a construction site in the port area, according to the Chinese embassy in Islamabad as well as its consulate general in Karachi.

“A Chinese convoy from the Gwadar port project was hit by roadside bombs and gunfire on its way back to the port area from the Gwadar Airport,” the consulate said in a statement. “No Chinese citizens were killed or injured,” it added.

“A convoy carrying Chinese citizens was attacked near the port of Gwadar in Balochistan, Pakistan. The incident caused no casualties on the Chinese side, and the relevant personnel have been properly placed in safety,” the embassy said.

“The Embassy and the Consulate General in Karachi launched an emergency response immediately,” the embassy said in its statement, adding that it “strongly condemns this terrorist act”.

The statement further said that China would continue to work with the Pakistani side, to jointly counter the threats of terrorism and earnestly protect the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions, and projects in Pakistan.

The embassy statement reminded the Chinese citizens in Pakistan to be vigilant and take preventive measures against security risks, to ensure the safety of their lives and property.

Bajaur IBO

In a separate statement, the ISPR said that an army soldier embraced martyrdom during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the night between August 12 and 13 in Charmang in Bajaur district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

The IBO was carried out on the reported presence of terrorists, according to the ISPR said. “Four extremists were killed in an intense exchange of fire,” it said, adding that and one terrorist was apprehended.

Sepoy Muhammad Shoaib, 24, a resident of District Kohat, “fought gallantly and embraced Shahadat during the intense exchange of fire”, the ISPR statement continued.

It said that weapons, ammunition, and explosives including a suicide vest were recovered from the terrorists, who were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces and innocent citizens, especially suicide blasts.

“The sanitisation of the area is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists found in the area. Security forces of Pakistan remain determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism from Pakistan,” the ISPR said.

Police sources said that clash between security forces and militants occurred in Charming area of Navagai Tehsil. They added that during the operation, one terrorist blew himself up, while one was captured.

The sources put the death toll of the militants at five, who all belonged to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP). The militants had plotted of a major terrorist activity on Independence Day, which had been thwarted, they added.

(WITH INPUTS FROM OUR BAJAUR CORRESPONDENT & AGENCIES)