Levies official martyred in encounter

Incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorism in the region

QUETTA:

A tragic incident unfolded in the Pishin district of Balochistan on Wednesday as terrorists unleashed gunfire on a Levies force raiding party, resulting in the loss of an officer’s life and leaving three others critically wounded.

Risaldar Hameedullah of the Levies Force was fatally shot while three of his comrades sustained serious injuries during an operation targeting terrorists in Kili Manzari of Harmazai Tehsil, as confirmed by Deputy Commissioner Pishin, Juma Dad Mandokhail.

The operation was initiated based on intelligence regarding the presence of Dad Mohammad and his associates hiding in a residence near Inayatullah Khan Pump. However, instead of surrendering, the terrorists opened fire on the law enforcement team.

This act of aggression led to the immediate demise of Risaldar Hameedullah and inflicted bullet wounds on three other personnel. Subsequently, the terrorists fled towards Killa Abdullah district, abandoning their vehicle.

Following the attack, additional law enforcement units were deployed to conduct a thorough combing operation to apprehend the fleeing terrorists. The area was swiftly cordoned off to prevent any escape. Deputy Commissioner Mandokhail reported that five facilitators and ten suspects have been detained as part of the ongoing operation.

The injured Levies personnel have been transported to the Trauma Centre for medical treatment. Arbab Kamran, Managing Director of the Trauma Center Quetta, assured that the wounded individuals are receiving the best available medical care.

This heinous act serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorism in the region, and the resolve of the authorities to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice remains unwavering.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^th, 2024.