Nine cops martyred, 15 terrorists eliminated in Ziarat gunbattle

As many as nine policemen including senior officers were martyred and several others were missing after a night-long gunbattle with terrorists who attacked a checkpost guarding a dam project in Balochistan city of Ziarat. As many as 15 terrorists were also eliminated during the clearance operation, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday.

The attack by terrorists happened in Kuchh Maangi Phase III area of Ziarat, which led to intense exchange of fire throughout Monday night, resulting in martyrdom of nine cops.

Ziarat Deputy Commissioner (DC) Abdul Qudoos Achakzai also confirmed that it was a terrorist incident, adding it occurred in the Mangi Dam area. He added nine policemen, including two senior officers, had been martyred.

The Ziarat DC said the whereabouts of five policemen were still unknown, adding additional security personnel had been dispatched to the area. "Nine policemen are dead and many are missing after an attack on a checkpost that was guarding the Mangi Dam project," Abdul Qudoos said.

Paramilitary, police and counter-terrorism personnel had "successfully carried out the joint clearance operation" against the Fitna al-Khwarij militants, Balochistan's government spokesman Shahid Rind said in a statement.

Advisor to the Chief Minister on Political and Media Affairs Shahid Rind confirmed that nine officers and personnel of Balochistan Police embraced martyrdom during the terrorist attack.

Shahid Rind said the martyred included SHO Mangi Police Station, SHO Kawas Police Station, ATF Incharge Head Constable Saifullah and others.

He further said that DSP Ghulam Sarwar, along with eight police personnel, managed to reach Kach Police Station safely through difficult mountainous terrain. Constable Rizwan was also recovered unharmed during the operation.

The bodies of the martyrs are being shifted to District Headquarters Hospital Ziarat for legal formalities and post-mortem.

Meanwhile, the security forces in Balochistan have successfully completed a clearance operation against terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khwarij in Ziarat district, killing 15 militants.

The operation was jointly carried out by Frontier Corps (FC), Balochistan Police, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Special Operations Wing (SOW), and Anti-Terrorist Force (ATF).

The operation was jointly conducted by Frontier Corps (FC), Balochistan Police, and other law-enforcement agencies.

Shahid Rind also confirmed the success of the operation, saying that the terrorists paid a heavy price for attempting to disrupt peace in the province. “The state is responding with full force, and the nefarious designs of terrorists have been crushed,” he said.

Shahid Rind emphasized that Balochistan will not serve as a safe haven for terrorists. He assured that every attack will be met with a decisive response, and intelligence-based operations will continue with greater effectiveness to ensure lasting peace. “Elements challenging the writ of the state will be brought to justice. The war against terrorism is being pursued with full strength,” he added.

Paying tribute to the police officers and personnel martyred in the Ziarat attack, Shahid Rind said their sacrifices will never be forgotten and their blood will be avenged. He reaffirmed that the government of Balochistan salutes the courage of the martyrs and remains committed to supporting their families.

He concluded by stressing that there will be no compromise on the province’s peace, stability, and the protection of its citizens. “The complete eradication of terrorism is the government’s top priority,” Rind declared.

Last month, unidentified armed men had attacked police installations in Qila Abdullah, Pishin and Duki districts, martyring a policeman and injuring two others.

In April, a police head constable was martyred in a terrorist attack on a checkpost in the Huramzai area of Pishin district.

Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies showed that despite several high-profile attacks, Pakistan witnessed a decline in overall anti-state violence and related security incidents during the month of June.

Providing a province-wise breakdown for June, PICSS observed that Balochistan witnessed a “significant decline” in terrorism. The province recorded 49 attacks in June compared with 71 in May, marking a 31pc reduction.

President, PM, interior minister strongly condemn attack on police post

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack carried out by Fitna al-Khwarij terrorists on a police checkpost in Ziarat.

In a statement, the president paid tribute to the courage, dedication, and sense of duty displayed by the police officers and personnel who embraced martyrdom in the attack. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to thwart every attempt to undermine peace and stability in Balochistan, adding that the state will continue its operations against terrorism with full force.

The president prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs in Jannah and for patience and strength for their bereaved families. He also prayed for the swift recovery of those injured in the attack.

“The sacrifices and services of our security and law enforcement agencies in safeguarding the people and maintaining peace and stability are a source of pride for the entire nation,” the president said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also strongly condemned the attack by Fitna al-Khwarij terrorists on a police checkpost in Ziarat.

In a statement, the prime minister paid tribute to the police personnel, including SHOs, who were martyred in the attack. He prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks in Jannah and for patience and strength for their bereaved families.

The prime minister also commended the security forces for killing 15 terrorists during a clearance operation. He said that the attack by Fitna al-Khwarij once again demonstrated that the group was an enemy of the people’s prosperity and of peace and development in Balochistan.

He emphasized that the sacrifices of the martyrs would not go in vain and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.

The prime minister also reaffirmed the government’s resolve not to allow anyone to undermine peace in the province. “The war against terrorists will continue until the complete elimination of these enemies of peace,” he said.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has strongly condemned the terrorist attack in the Ziarat area, describing the assailants as Indian-sponsored militants and reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve to defeat every attempt to undermine peace and stability.

In a statement issued after the attack, the interior minister paid glowing tribute to the nine police personnel who embraced martyrdom while defending the country. He expressed heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families, praying that they be granted strength and patience to bear their loss.

Naqvi said the fallen officers had made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace and national security, adding that such martyrs were “the pride of the nation” whose unparalleled sacrifices could never be forgotten. He stressed that their courage and commitment would remain a lasting source of inspiration.

The interior minister also commended the police for their swift and determined response, praising security personnel for eliminating 15 Indian-sponsored terrorists during the operation. He said the officers had foiled the terrorists’ nefarious designs by laying down their lives in the line of duty, preventing a greater threat to public safety.

Naqvi lauded the police force for bringing the attackers to what he described as their “deserved and exemplary end,” saying the successful operation reflected the professionalism and resolve of Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies.

Reaffirming the state’s commitment to combating terrorism, the interior minister said the nation and its security forces remained united and determined to thwart every conspiracy by Indian-sponsored terrorists aimed at sabotaging peace. He emphasized that such cowardly attacks would not weaken Pakistan’s resolve or derail its efforts to maintain law and order.

Reporters Essa Tareen and Awais Kiyani