21 terrorists killed as troops crush string of attacks

Security forces eliminated 21 terrorists in a series of operations carried out in Balochistan's Chagai district, Ziarat Cross and Pishin district. Six security personnel including 2 officers and a Customs official also embraced martyrdom during these engagements.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Tuesday, terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan—a term used to refer to separatist organisations—attempted to disrupt the peaceful movement of commuters along N-40 Quetta-Taftan Highway on August 31 by establishing an illegal checkpoint for extortion.

"Security forces responded immediately and, after an intense fire exchange, killed eleven terrorists on the spot. A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from the terrorists," the military's media wing stated.

However, during the night between August 31 and September 1, terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij—a term used for various groups of outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)—launched a coordinated attack in an attempt to breach the Customs House in Pishin district.

"Security forces responded effectively and, after an intense fire exchange, killed ten terrorists. The forces also engaged fleeing terrorists and inflicted further casualties.

"However, during the exchange of fire, six brave sons of the soil, including two officers and a government official from the Customs Department, made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and embraced Shahadat," the statement added.

According to the ISPR, the attack on the Customs House was a manifestation of the terror-crime nexus, orchestrated to prevent Customs officials from performing their lawful duties and thereby facilitate the continuation of criminal activities in the area.

Pishin district in northwestern Balochistan shares a long border with Afghanistan.

The military's media wing said sanitization operations were continuing in the surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining terrorists and ensure the safety and security of the local population as well as the vital national highways.

"The relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam will continue with full resolve. Security forces and law enforcement agencies remain committed to eliminating the menace of foreign-sponsored and foreign-supported terrorism from the country," it added.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for eliminating 21 terrorists as they reiterated their resolve to fight terror.

The president lauded the security forces for foiling a terrorist attack on the Customs House and thwarting attempts by terrorists to disrupt passenger movement on the Quetta-Taftan Highway by establishing an illegal check post, the President Secretariat Media Wing said in a press release.

President Zardari appreciated the professionalism and operational capabilities of the security forces in effectively targeting terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khwarij. He observed that by laying down their lives in the line of duty, the martyrs set a great example.

The president and the prime minister also expressed grief over the martyrdom of six brave personnel, including two officers and a Customs official, during the operations against the terrorists.

The prime minister said they shared the grief of the bereaved families. "The sacrifices of their brave Jawans in the fight against terrorism would not go in vain," said the statement issued by the PM Office.