ZIARAT: At least nine police officers were killed after terrorists attacked a police post in Ziarat district, Balochistan, while security forces later killed 15 terrorists during a clearance operation, according to local officials.
The attack took place in the Kuch Mangi Phase Three area, where armed terrorists targeted a police post. According to the Deputy Commissioner of Ziarat, nine police personnel lost their lives in the assault.
The bodies of the slain officers were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Ziarat.
SP Ziarat Abdul Qudoos said that two Station House Officers were among the nine police personnel killed in the attack.
Police officials said an exchange of fire between terrorists and police had continued since the previous night.
The deadly attack triggered a security response in the area. Security forces subsequently launched a clearance operation against the terrorists.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said security forces had successfully completed the clearance operation in Ziarat.
He said the state was responding with full force to those attempting to disturb peace in Balochistan. He also praised the security forces, Balochistan Police and other law enforcement agencies for acting against the attackers.
Rind said the sacrifices of the police officers and personnel killed in Ziarat would not go in vain.
He added that there would be no compromise on peace, stability or the protection of the people of Balochistan. According to him, the complete elimination of terrorism remains a top government priority.
Federal Minister and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party President Abdul Aleem Khan strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Ziarat.
He said the sacrifices of the slain personnel would always be remembered and would not go in vain.
Khan added that the nation stands with its security forces in the fight against terrorism. He also described the sacrifices of Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies as unforgettable.
The Ziarat attack once again highlighted the security challenges facing law enforcement personnel in Balochistan, as authorities continued efforts to protect civilians and maintain stability in the province.
