21 terrorists killed in Balochistan operations after deadly attacks: ISPR

At least 21 terrorists were killed in Balochistan during clearance operations, following multiple attacks on civilians and security forces, the military said on Monday.

The operations resulted in the deaths of 14 security personnel, including ten soldiers and four law enforcement officers, who “made the ultimate sacrifice,” according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

“These cowardly acts of terrorism, directed by hostile forces, aimed to disrupt the peaceful environment in Balochistan by targeting innocent civilians in Musakhel, Kalat, and Lasbela districts,” the ISPR stated. Numerous civilians were killed in these attacks.

In Musakhel, armed men stopped a bus near Rara Sham and shot passengers after checking their identity cards, killing 23 people, mostly from Punjab province. The Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack, though the claim has not been independently verified.

The military responded swiftly, killing 21 militants in subsequent operations and ensuring the safety of local residents.

“Sanitisation operations are ongoing to bring the perpetrators, facilitators, and abettors of these heinous acts to justice,” the ISPR added.

In Kalat, ten people, including security personnel, were killed in a gun attack on Sunday night. The attackers fled, prompting ongoing clearance operations by police and Levies forces.

Senior officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, condemned the attacks. “Terrorists are enemies of both Pakistan and humanity,” Zardari stated, calling for swift justice. Sharif pledged full support for the victims’ families and promised that those responsible would face severe punishment.

Prime Minister Sharif reiterated the nation’s commitment to eradicating terrorism, asserting that such cowardly attacks would not weaken Pakistan’s resolve.