Islamabad: On night of 31 August-1 September, during multiple incidents in Nokcha, Chagai District, and Ziarat Cross, Pishin District, 21 terrorists belonging to Indian-sponsored proxies were killed due to effective responses by the Security Forces.
According to the statement issued by the ISPR, on 31 August, terrorists attempted to disrupt the peaceful movement of commuters along N-40 Quetta-Taftan Highway by establishing an illegal checkpoint for extortion. Security Forces responded immediately and, after an intense fire exchange, killed 11 terrorists on the spot. A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from the terrorists.
During the night of 31 August-1 September, terrorists launched a coordinated attack in an attempt to breach the Customs House. Security Forces responded effectively and, after an intense fire exchange, killed 10 terrorists. Moreover, fleeing terrorists were also engaged by the Security Forces, inflicting further casualties.
The attack on the Customs House was a manifestation of the terror-crime nexus, orchestrated to prevent Customs officials from performing their lawful duties and thereby facilitate the continuation of criminal activities in the area.
However, during the exchange of fire, six brave sons of the soil, including two officers and a government official from the Customs Department, made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and embraced Shahadat.
Sanitization operations are continuing in the surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining terrorists and ensure the safety and security of the local population as well as the vital national highways.
The relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of 'Azm-e-Istehkam,' as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue with full resolve. Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies remain committed to eliminating the menace of foreign-sponsored and foreign-supported terrorism from the country.
Meanwhile President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have paid tribute to the security forces for killing 21 terrorists in different areas of Balochistan.
In their separate statements, they also expressed grief over the martyrdom of six brave personnel, including two officers and a Customs official, during the operation.
The President commended the professional capabilities of the security forces for taking effective action against terrorists. The Prime Minister, in his remarks, said that the government is determined to completely eliminate terrorism from the country.