Six militants killed in Balochistan

FC Balochistan spokesperson says soldier was also wounded in exchange of fire with militants

QUETTA:

Six suspected militants, including two suicide bombers, were killed during a crackdown in the troubled Loralai and Sanjvi areas of Balochistan on Friday.

Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan spokesperson said a soldier was also wounded in the exchange of fire with militants during a raid on their hideouts. Several more suspects were rounded up in search operations, he added.

“The terrorists had prepared suicide vests and improvised explosive devices in a huge quantity. The FC’s timely action foiled their attempt for any subversive activity,” the FC spokesperson claimed.

The terrorists killed, he said, were involved in targeted attacks on security forces, police and Balochistan Levies Force in the Loralai and Ziarat districts. They also used to kidnap people from the area.

The Loralai district, about 250 kilometres east of Quetta, is one of the most troubled regions in Balochistan where recently a group of armed men had killed three police officials and injured many more. Several killings have also been reported in recent months.

The security forces will launch another operation on Saturday morning in the Mekhtar, Sanjvi and Tangi areas in Ziarat and Loralai districts. At least 450 FC personnel and paramilitary troops will take part in the operation.

Balochistan FC Inspector General Lt General Sher Afgan has said the security forces have been directed to go after terrorists till the last one is eliminated. “The forces will make every sacrifice until peace is completely restored,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 4^th, 2015.