Four men from DG Khan martyred in Mach

One of the victims was FC officer from Taunsa

DERA GHAZI KHAN:

Four Dera Ghazi Khan residents, including an FC officer, were among those martyred in terrorist attacks across the Mach region of Balochistan. Based on newly-obtained information, terrorists fired rockets at the Levies police station jail and train station in Mach on the last day of operations. They also targeted three individuals in a truck, martyring Levies official Lance Naik Rahmatullah, a resident of Sakna Taunsa Sharif.

Similarly, sources state that three young men who hailed from the Gadai neighbourhood of the city, including Kamil Haider, Ali Raza and Muhammad Ahmad, were also martyred in these attacks.

The bodies of the martyrs will reach Dera Ghazi Khan today, while funeral prayers for the three youths will be offered in their native Gadai. The funeral prayers of Lance Naik Rehmatullah were performed in Taunsa. Flowers were showered and the martyr was laid to rest with full military honours.

His heirs expressed how proud they were of their son who sacrificed his life for the sake of the country. They won’t think twice about making any sacrifices to ensure this nation’s continued existence and security, they added, further extolling the Pakistan Army, who are fighting against the enemies of the country and nation.

Read: 12 more terrorists neutralised in Mach clearance op

Late on Monday night, terrorists from the BLA launched a coordinated attack on Mach. Alleged videos of the attack circulating on social media showed several vehicles on fire as well as law enforcement agency personnel being held hostage. Rumours on social media claimed that multiple targets were attacked, including the town’s railway and police stations, and other security forces’ facilities.

However, the security forces repulsed the “fire raid attempt” by the terrorists.

According to sources, the security forces had already received information about the terrorist attack. So when the attack happened the forces ambushed them and gave an effective response, leaving the terrorists dead.

Balochistan caretaker information minister Jan Achakzai confirmed three coordinated attacks, which were carried out by the terrorists affiliated with the Aslam Acho group.

He said on a social media post that the terrorists had retreated, and the security forces were pursuing them.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1^st, 2024.