Kalat (Pakistan), Nov 17 (UNI) Security forces killed six terrorists when they attempted to attack a security post near Shah Mardan under the restive Balochistan province early on Saturday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) officials said on Sunday.
Earlier reports said seven security personnel were killed and 18 others were wounded in the pre-dawn terrorist attack on the check post located on a mountain in the Johan area of Kalat district.
The troops retaliated, as a result of which the six terrorists were killed while four others were injured, news outlet Dawn reported.
ISPR reported that terrorists used rockets, hand grenades, and automatic heavy weapons to storm the Frontier Corps checkpost in Shah Mardan.
“Seven soldiers posted at the check post lost their lives while 18 others received injuries in the pre-dawn attack,” Kalat division commissioner Naeem Bazai told Dawn, adding that the injured and bodies were shifted to CMH, Quetta.
Last week, a suicide bombing at Quetta Railway Station claimed 26 lives and left around 60 others injured.
The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack on the checkpost.
Terrorists cordoned off the area before launching an attack, and police officials reported heavy fire from deployed personnel, which continued for three hours.
On receiving information about the assault, another contingent of troops rushed to the area and engaged the attackers. Locals heard blasts and gunshots even after daybreak.
Condemning the terrorist attack, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, “The elements spreading chaos and unrest in Balochistan are enemies of the people and the province’s development.’
He expressed his condolences to the deceased and their families and urged the authorities to provide top-notch medical care to the injured.
The PM ordered the authorities concerned to take immediate action against the culprits, ensuring they face exemplary punishment.
