50 terrorists killed in 4-day Balochistan operation
Security forces have killed 50 terrorists in a major counter-terrorism operation in Balochistan over the past four days, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The operation, conducted in the Sambaza area of Zhob district near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, targeted militants attempting to infiltrate from across the border. From August 7 to 9, 47 terrorists were eliminated during successful engagements, while three more were killed in a sanitisation operation on the night of August 10-11. The ISPR described the militants as “Indian-sponsored” and referred to them as ‘khawarij’, a term used for members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Large quantities of arms and ammunition were recovered from the terrorists.
While security forces celebrated this significant success, the province also witnessed tragedy. In Washuk district, bordering Iran, a convoy of security personnel came under a heavy ambush on Monday night, leading to the martyrdom of nine soldiers, including an officer. Six others were injured during the hour-long exchange of fire in the Basima area. Security sources confirmed that militants opened fire on three vehicles in the convoy, prompting a fierce response. Casualties were also reported on the attackers’ side, though exact figures were not disclosed. The injured soldiers were shifted to a nearby health facility.
In a related incident, militants attempted to attack a police station in Basima that had recently been handed over to the police. The attack was repelled after a half-hour gun battle, with three policemen sustaining injuries. Officials said blood trails and an abandoned motorbike indicated losses among the attackers.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for their professionalism and bravery, stating that the elimination of 50 terrorists in four days was a testament to the armed forces’ resolve in defending the nation.
In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan’s Foreign Office welcomed the United States’ decision to designate the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade faction as foreign terrorist organisations. The Majeed Brigade was also officially added as an alias of the BLA. The Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating terrorism in all its forms and expressed readiness to work with the international community to counter the threat. PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also hailed the move as an endorsement of Pakistan’s position, adding that the UN should follow suit to curb international financing for separatist outfits that have openly supported India in past conflicts.
Despite the successful operation in Zhob, Balochistan continued to experience targeted attacks. In Sibi, a police officer was injured when a motorcyclist threw a grenade at a police vehicle near the Government Girls College on Monday night. In Quetta, a police patrol narrowly escaped a roadside bomb blast on Link Badini Road near the Eastern Bypass. The explosion destroyed a passing car but left the driver unharmed. Officials believe the bomb was meant for the police vehicle, which had passed the site just minutes before the detonation. No group has yet claimed responsibility for these attacks.
The recent developments underscore the volatile security situation in Balochistan, where security forces remain engaged on multiple fronts — thwarting infiltration from across the Afghan border, countering separatist activity near the Iranian border, and responding to urban terrorist threats. While the killing of 50 terrorists marks a significant operational victory, the loss of nine soldiers in the Washuk ambush serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing sacrifices in the fight against militancy.
