COAS vows to hunt down 'frenemies' as 18 troops martyred

Chief of the Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir has vowed to hunt down and defeat the so-called "frenemies" a day after 18 servicemen were martyred thwarting terrorists' attempts to set up roadblocks in the central Balochistan district of Kalat, the military said on Saturday.

Twenty-three terrorists were also liquidated in the Kalat engagement and subsequent combing operations in the volatile province which has been caught up in a deadly spiral of separatist violence stoked by hostile agencies working to destabilise the province for their geostrategic objectives.

"Those who are acting as terrorist proxies of their foreign masters who have mastered the art of manifesting double standards of hunting with the hound and running with the hare are well known to us," the military's media wing quoted the army chief as saying during a visit to Balochistan on Saturday.

The army chief was given a comprehensive briefing on the prevailing security situation in Balochistan. Senior security and intelligence officials were also in attendance.

"No matter what these so-called 'frenemies' may do, you will surely be defeated by the resilience of our proud nation and its armed forces, Inshallah. For the defence of our motherland and its people, we will definitely retaliate and 'hunt you down', whenever required and wherever you may be," Gen Munir further said.

This unequivocal expression of strong resolve came after the ISPR shared with the media details of a "cowardly act of terrorism carried out at the behest of inimical and hostile forces" in Kalat to disrupt the peaceful environment of Balochistan.

"On [the] night [between] January 31 and February 1, terrorists attempted to establish roadblocks in [the] general area Mangocher, Kalat district of Balochistan," to target innocent civilians, the ISPR said in a separate statement.

"Security forces and law enforcement agencies were immediately mobilised, who successfully thwarted the evil design of terrorists and sent twelve terrorists to hell, ensuring security and protection of the local populace," said the military statement. "However, during the conduct of operations, eighteen brave sons of [the] soil, having fought gallantly, made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat," it added.

Multiple sanitisation operations are being conducted across the province. In one such operation conducted in Harnai district on February 1, security forces engaged terrorists, killing 11 of them and busting their multiple hideouts.

"A total of 23 terrorists have been sent to hell in different operations in Balochistan in last 24 hours," the military added in the statement. "The sanitisation operations will continue until perpetrators and facilitators of the heinous and cowardly act are brought to justice."

The army chief, together with Balochistan's governor and CM, also offered the funeral prayers of the martyred soldiers and visited the injured in the CMH Quetta. He appreciated the efforts of the valiant officers and soldiers of army, Frontier Corps and law enforcement agencies for their courage and determination towards fighting terrorism, the ISPR said.

He reassured the army's resolve to ensuring the security and well-being of the people of Balochistan, while also reaffirming the commitment to supporting the provincial government in its efforts to promote peace, stability, and development in the region.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed "deep sorrow and regret" over the martyrdom of 18 security personnel as he paid tribute to the soldiers for taking timely action against terrorists and sacrificing their lives for the country. "Terrorist elements want to disrupt peace in Balochistan," he said in a statement issued by the Presidency. Security forces will continue their operations to "suppress elements hostile to the country", he added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the entire nation was determined to thwart the evil intentions of terrorists. "Terrorists are the enemies of peace and development of Balochistan. We will continue to fight against the monster of terrorism until it is eradicated from the country," he said in a statement issued by his office. "The entire nation, including me, stands by its brave forces in the war against terrorism."

He praised the security forces in a follow-up statement for the successful sanitization operations against terrorists. "The evil intentions of the enemies of peace in Balochistan will never be allowed to succeed. Those who spread mischief in Balochistan are the enemies of development and prosperity of Balochistan," he added.

"The government will continue to take every possible step for the development of Balochistan. The unwavering determination of the Pakistan Army to protect the people of Balochistan from terrorists is commendable," the prime minister said.