18 soldiers martyred, 23 terrorists killed in Balochistan's Kalat: ISPR

In a series of counterterrorism operations in Balochistan, security forces and law enforcement agencies have killed 23 terrorists during the past 24 hours, foiling terrorist attempts to disrupt the peace in the region. Eighteen Pakistani soldiers were martyred during the operations, according to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The statement said that on the night of January 31 to February 1, terrorists attempted to establish roadblocks in the Mangocher area of Kalat District. The terrorist carried out an attack "on behest of inimical and hostile forces," that was "aimed at disrupting the peaceful environment of Balochistan by targeting mainly the innocent civilians."

Acting swiftly, security forces mobilised and engaged the militants, killing twelve of them and preventing further violence.

The media wing of the Pakistani military confirmed that follow-up operations were launched across Balochistan province, including in Harnai District, where eleven more militants were killed.

Several terrorist hideouts were also dismantled in these actions.

The ongoing sanitisation operations aim to bring the perpetrators and their facilitators to justice, the ISPR said.

President of Pakistan’s Statement:

The President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Kalat and expressed deep sorrow and regret over the martyrdom of 18 security personnel during the operation against the terrorists.

The President paid tribute to the martyrs for their timely action against the terrorists and praised the bravery of the security personnel for killing 12 terrorists during the operation. He prayed for the elevation of the martyrs' ranks and for patience for their families.

He also stated that the terrorist elements aim to destabilize the peace of Balochistan. The operations by security forces to suppress these anti-state elements will continue.