Kech, 3 July, 2023 (GNP): In a series of unfortunate events, an army major and a soldier were martyred in a fierce exchange of fire with terrorists in Kech district of Balochistan on Sunday night, as reported by the ISPR.
This incident took place shortly after the martyrdom of four security personnel in simultaneous attacks on three checkpoints in Sherani district.
According to the ISPR, security forces launched an operation in the Hoshab area of Kech district based on credible intelligence about the movement of a gang of terrorists. While establishing blocking positions to prevent the terrorists from escaping, the security forces were met with heavy gunfire from the attackers.
“In the intense exchange of fire, Major Saqib Hussain and Naik Baqir Ali embraced martyrdom, while another soldier sustained injuries,” stated the ISPR.
Consequently, a follow-up operation is underway to apprehend the perpetrators of the attack in the area.
In a separate incident earlier in the day, four security personnel, including two officers, were martyred, and a suspected terrorist was killed in coordinated attacks on three checkpoints along the Zhob-D.I. Khan Highway in Sherani district.
The armed attacks were simultaneously launched on three closely located security checkposts of the police, Levies, and Frontier Corps (FC) in the Danasar area, said Zhob Division Commissioner Saeed Ahmed Umrani. He further added that a combing operation is underway to arrest the attackers.
The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, a banned militant organization, claimed responsibility for the attacks on the posts through a statement issued by its spokesman.
According to officials, armed militants targeted the police checkpoint, using grenades and rockets, resulting in the martyrdom of three personnel. The attackers also assaulted the FC post, hurling grenades and opening fire with automatic weapons. In response, the FC personnel effectively retaliated, while the police and Levies forces also responded to the attack.
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“Three police personnel and an FC officer lost their lives in the attacks,” confirmed Sherani Deputy Commissioner Bilal Shabbir. He added that during the intense exchange of fire, which lasted over two hours, one suspected attacker was killed, and two others sustained injuries.
The martyred personnel were identified as Sub-Inspector Bahadur Khan Babar, Sepoys Baz Khan and Mohammad Afzal, and FC Captain Saeed.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo vehemently condemned the acts of terrorism in the province. Prime Minister Sharif paid tribute to Sepoy Haq Nawaz, who sacrificed his life in Zhob, and commended the security forces for their effective operation against the terrorists.
بلوچستان کے اضلاع شیرانی اور کیچ میں میجر ثاقب حسین سمیت چھ سیکیورٹی اہلکاروں کی شہادت پر مجھ سمیت پوری قوم رنجیدہ ہے۔ شہداء کا مقدس خون قوم پر قرض ہے۔ قوم کے بہادر بیٹوں کی قربانیوں کی ہی بدولت پاکستان کی امن و سلامتی ممکن ہے۔ ہماری افواج کے جری جوان اندرونی اور بیرونی دشمنوں…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 3, 2023
In response to the attack in Quetta, Chief Minister Bizenjo instructed the Inspector General Police (IGP) to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the citizens. He also requested a comprehensive report following the conclusion of the investigation into these tragic incidents.