23 Terrorists and 22 Security Personal Killed, in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

 In a series of counterterrorism operations over the past 24 hours, security forces killed 23 Balochistan separatists while 22 security personnel lost their life during the operation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, military and district administration officials reported on Saturday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces launched an operation in response to an attack by Balochistan separatists in Kalat as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate security threats in Balochistan. Another operation was conducted in Harnai district, where 11 separatists were neutralized, and multiple militant hideouts were dismantled, the ISPR said.

Kalat Attack and Military Response

On the night between Friday and Saturday, security forces thwarted an attempt by Balochistan separatists to establish roadblocks in the Mangochar area of Kalat district. During the engagement, 18 paramilitary personnel lost their lives while 12 separatists were eliminated.

A police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that a vehicle carrying unarmed border troops "came under fire from 70 to 80 armed assailants who had blocked the road."

The ISPR, in its statement, attributed the attack to hostile elements seeking to destabilize Balochistan and disrupt its security. It reaffirmed that ongoing sanitization operations aim to apprehend the perpetrators, facilitators, and abettors involved in the attack, underscoring the military’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

The banned Baloch Liberation Army later claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement issued by a spokesperson of the outlawed group.

Bomb Blast in D.I. Khan

In a separate incident, four personnel of the Balochistan Levies and a civilian were martyred in a bomb attack near Dera Ismail Khan, close to Balochistan’s border district of Dherani.

Pishin Assistant Commissioner Karezat confirmed that a Levies officer was among the deceased. The personnel were en route to recover a stolen truck when their vehicle was targeted by a bomb before reaching the D.I. Khan police station. Following the blast, the vehicle caught fire, resulting in the deaths of all five occupants. Authorities have launched an investigation into the attack.

Leaders Condemn Attacks, Pay Tribute to Security Forces

President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack in Kalat and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of security personnel. In a statement from the President’s Secretariat, he honored the fallen soldiers, extended condolences to their families, and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to eliminating separatist violence.

“Balochistan separatist elements seek to disrupt peace in the region, but security forces will continue their operations to neutralize these threats,” President Zardari said, adding that the entire nation stands with its armed forces in their efforts to maintain stability.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the Kalat attack, expressing grief over the martyrdom of 18 security personnel while commending forces for eliminating 12 separatists in the operation. “These elements are enemies of Balochistan’s peace and development,” he stated, reaffirming that counterinsurgency efforts would persist until the threat is eradicated.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti lauded security forces for their swift and effective response, stating that the elimination of 23 separatists in 24 hours is a testament to the bravery and professionalism of the armed forces. “The sacrifices of our brave soldiers in defending the motherland will always be remembered,” he added.

As security operations continue across Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to neutralize separatist groups and uphold stability in the region.