Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Eighteen soldiers embraced martyrdom during an operation in the Mangocher area of Balochistan's Kalat district, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on night 31 January/ 1 February, terrorists attempted to establish road blocks in general area Mangocher, Kalat District of Balochistan.
“On behest of inimical and hostile forces, this cowardly act of terrorism was aimed at disrupting the peaceful environment of Balochistan by targeting mainly the innocent civilians,” the statement said.
It added that the security forces and law enforcement agencies were immediately mobilized, who successfully thwarted the evil design of terrorists and sent twelve terrorists to hell, ensuring security and protection of the local populace.
“However, during the conduct of operations, eighteen brave sons of soil, having fought gallantly, made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat,” the ISPR said.
The statement further said that in a follow-up sanitisation operation in Harnai on Saturday, 11 terrorists were gunned down, bringing the total number of killed militants to 23.
The military’s media wing said that ensuing sanitization operations are being conducted and the perpetrators, facilitators and abettors of this heinous and cowardly act, will be brought to justice.
“Security forces 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 ISPR said.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday paid tribute to security forces for eliminating 23 terrorists in various operations in Balochistan.
President Zardari commended the bravery of security forces for successfully neutralizing 23 terrorists during operations in different areas of Balochistan, including Kalat and Harnai.
According to a press release issued by the President Secretariat Press Wing, the president said that the operations against terrorists would continue till their complete eradication, adding their resolve to eliminate terrorist elements and defend the country would remain firm.
President Zardari also expressed the commitment to completely eradicate the menace of terrorism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday appreciated the security forces for carrying out successful action against terrorists in Harnai, Balochistan.
He lauded the professional skills of the security forces who killed 11 terrorists.
The premier paid tribute to the security forces for foiling attempts aimed at ruining peace in Balochistan.
“Nefarious designs of peace enemies will not be allowed to succeed. Those who spread extremism in Balochistan are actually the enemy of development and prosperity in the province,” PM Shehbaz said.
He further said that the government would continue all possible efforts for the progress of Balochistan.
“Pakistan Army’s resolve to keep innocent people of Balochistan safe from terrorists is commendable,” PM Shehbaz added.