RAWALPINDI: Seven soldiers of the Pakistan Army were martyred in a fierce terrorist attack on a security check post in Kalat, Balochistan, on the night of November 15-16, 2024. Six terrorists were killed, and four others were injured during the attack, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The statement said the terrorists attempted to attack a security post in the Shah-e-Mardan area of Kalat. The Pakistan Army troops responded bravely and successfully fought off the attackers. As a result, six terrorists were killed, and four were wounded. However, seven soldiers, after fighting valiantly, embraced martyrdom during the intense exchange of fire.
The army added that the operation to clear the area of any remaining terrorists was underway. The soldiers’ sacrifice was acknowledged, and the statement emphasized the army’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Balochistan. The army reaffirmed its resolve to protect the region from terrorism and sabotage.
The attack occurred just days after another significant operation in the Kech district, where four terrorists, including a high-value target, were killed. This was part of an ongoing effort by the Pakistan Army to combat terrorism across the region. A similar operation was conducted in North Waziristan earlier in November.
According to a report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), terrorist violence has significantly increased in Pakistan, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The report notes a 90% surge in violence in the third quarter of 2024, with 722 deaths and 615 injuries recorded across 328 incidents. Nearly 97% of these fatalities occurred in KP and Balochistan, marking the highest violence rates in a decade.
The total number of fatalities this year has already surpassed the total for all of 2023. Despite these challenges, terrorist groups continue to reorganize, and many attacks remain unclaimed, likely for tactical reasons.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the terrorist attack in Kalat, praising the efforts of the security forces. He expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to eliminating terrorism. The Prime Minister also vowed that the fight against terrorism would continue until the last terrorist is defeated.
