As many as 14 security personnel were martyred while 21 terrorists were killed in a clearance operation against terrorists in Balochistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Monday.

The military's media wing said on the night between August 25-26, the terrorists attempted to conduct numerous heinous activities in Balochistan.

On the behest of “inimical and hostile forces”, the ISPR said these cowardly acts of terrorism were aimed at disrupting the peaceful environment and development of Balochistan by targeting mainly innocent civilians, especially in Musa Khel, Kalat and Labela districts.

Resultantly, numerous innocent civilians embraced shahadat.

In the Musa Khel district, terrorists stopped a bus in the Rara Sham area and maliciously targeted innocent citizens, working in Balochistan to earn their livelihood, the ISPR said.

It went on to say that security forces and law enforcement agencies immediately responded and successfully thwarted the evil design of terrorists and "sent 21 terrorists to hell in ensuing clearance operations, ensuring security and protection of local populace".

However, during the conduct of operations, the statement said 14 brave sons of soil including ten security forces soldiers and four personnel of law enforcement agencies, having fought gallantly, made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat.

Sanitisation operations are being conducted and the instigators, perpetrators, facilitators and abettors of these heinous and cowardly acts, targeting innocent civilians, will be brought to justice, the statement added.

"Security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve," the military's media wing said.

The funeral of martyred security personnel was held at the FC Headquarters in Quetta, ISPR said.

It added Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, top brass of law enforcement agencies and other key figures attended the funeral.

The military media wing said the bodies of the martyrs were sent to their native towns where they will be laid to rest with military honours.