In a troubling escalation of violence, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has reported that 38 security personnel, including policemen and army members, have been martyred in a series of terrorist attacks in Balochistan since July 5. The Director General of ISPR, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, provided these details during a press briefing, highlighting the ongoing conflict in the region.
According to the DG ISPR, the recent wave of violence has resulted in the deaths of four civilians, 27 policemen, and 11 security personnel, while 54 terrorists have been confirmed killed in operations conducted by security forces. The attacks have raised concerns about the security situation in Balochistan, a province that has been plagued by violence for years.
Details of the Recent Attacks
Lieutenant General Chaudhry outlined three major terrorist incidents that occurred within a span of four days. The first incident took place on July 5, when terrorists attacked innocent civilians in Hanna Urak, resulting in the martyrdom of four locals. The residents bravely fought back, forcing the attackers to flee.
The second incident occurred on July 6, when a police checkpost in Ziarat was targeted in a multi-directional attack by terrorists. This assault led to the martyrdom of nine policemen, including two station house officers. Despite the immediate dispatch of army reinforcements, the terrorists managed to take some police officials hostage.
In the latest incident, an army convoy was ambushed in Bela, resulting in the martyrdom of 11 soldiers, including one junior commissioned officer. The DG ISPR confirmed that 14 terrorists from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) were killed during this engagement.
Casualty Breakdown and Ongoing Operations
- Total martyrs: 38 security personnel
- Confirmed terrorists neutralised: 54
- Casualties from the Ziarat attack: 27 policemen
- Casualties from the Bela ambush: 11 soldiers
As operations continue, the DG ISPR emphasized that the military, Frontier Corps (FC), law enforcement agencies, and intelligence units are actively engaged in multiple locations to neutralize the remaining terrorists. He assured that all terrorists involved in these attacks would be brought to justice.
Attribution of Responsibility
Lieutenant General Chaudhry attributed the recent attacks to external forces, particularly naming India and its alleged support for terrorist groups operating in Pakistan. He stated that these groups, referred to as Fitna al Khawarij (FAK), are linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and are believed to be using Afghan territory as a base for their operations.
He reiterated the government’s stance that the majority of the terrorists engaged in these attacks are Afghan nationals, emphasizing that the planning and execution of these operations are orchestrated from Afghanistan.
Government’s Response and Future Actions
The DG ISPR declared a strong resolve from the Pakistani state to combat terrorism, stating that the armed forces, under the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, are committed to taking decisive action against all terrorist elements. He highlighted the clarity of purpose that the government and the people of Balochistan share in confronting these threats.
Chaudhry also pointed out that the recent clarity shown by the state regarding the distinction between Islam and terrorism has created unease among terrorist groups. He asserted that the government would not tolerate any acts of violence against its citizens and would respond with full force.
Community Support and Local Engagement
In light of the recent attacks, local leaders, including Balochistan’s Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, have engaged with communities affected by the violence. This engagement aims to reassure the public and reinforce the government’s commitment to their safety and security.
The DG ISPR concluded by emphasizing that the fight against terrorism is a collective effort involving security forces, law enforcement agencies, and the local populace. He expressed confidence that victory would be achieved in this ongoing struggle against terrorism.
