RAWALPINDI – A defiant message was made from Pakistan Army’s spokesperson on Wednesday as he vowed there would be no refuge for militants behind the recent wave of violence in Balochistan.
Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry outlined the military’s response to three major attacks, detailing intelligence-led operations, fierce clashes and the state’s resolve to bring those responsible to justice. He said security forces launched intelligence-based operation after militants blocked N-25 highway, terrorized civilians and extorted travelers; details three major attacks in four days.
He reiterated the state’s determination, saying Pakistan’s armed forces, Frontier Corps and law enforcement agencies would continue operations against militant groups wherever they operate. “No terrorist who wages war against Pakistan will be allowed to escape justice,” he said, reaffirming that security forces would relentlessly hunt down those responsible for attacks on the country.
Pakistan’s armed forces would “hunt you down wherever you are,” as he unveiled details of a major counterterrorism operation and three deadly militant attacks that have shaken Balochistan over the past four days.
Lt Gen Chaudhry said the latest military operation was launched after intelligence reports confirmed the presence of heavily armed militants between Jhao Cross and Kararo along the N-25 highway. According to him, the militants had established illegal checkpoints, blocked traffic, terrorized commuters and extorted money from travelers and local residents before security forces moved into the area.
“The purpose of today’s briefing is to explain the background of the recent terrorist attacks and the security forces’ response,” the ISPR chief said, adding that the incidents reflected what he described as a coordinated campaign of violence in the province.
Reaffirming the military’s resolve, Lt Gen Chaudhry issued a direct warning to militant groups, stating that Pakistan’s armed forces would continue pursuing them relentlessly and would not allow those responsible for attacks against the country to escape accountability.
Hanna Urak attack
ISPR Chief said the first major incident took place during the night of July 4 and 5 when militants launched an attack in the Hanna Urak area. The attackers targeted innocent civilians, but local residents resisted the assault despite being caught off guard, forcing the militants to retreat from the area.
The attack claimed the lives of four civilians, while six others sustained injuries.
Deadly assault on Ziarat police
The second and most intense attack targeted a police checkpoint responsible for protecting Pumping Station No. 3 of Mangi Dam in Ziarat. Lt Gen Chaudhry said the militants launched a coordinated assault from multiple directions in an attempt to overrun the checkpoint. Despite coming under heavy fire, police personnel defended their position and reportedly killed 15 militants during the fierce exchange.
However, nine police officers embraced martyrdom while carrying out their duties. ISPR chief said reinforcements from the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps were dispatched immediately after the attack was reported. Before additional troops could reach the checkpoint, however, the militants allegedly took the surviving police personnel hostage.
Upon arriving at the scene, security forces recovered the bodies of at least 15 militants. Lt Gen Chaudhry also highlighted that the police officers who lost their lives were all local residents who had been serving their communities.
Large-scale operation continues
Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and other law enforcement agencies launched a large-scale operation to surround the militants in the mountainous terrain of Ziarat. Lt Gen Chaudhry said security forces deliberately decided against using airpower during the operation to avoid putting the hostages at risk and to minimize collateral damage. He added that the operation has remained underway since July 6 as troops continue efforts to eliminate the militants.
Referring to the earlier incident in Ziarat, Lt Gen Chaudhry said militants attacked a police post, killing nine police personnel, including two station house officers (SHOs). He said security forces later carried out a clearance operation in the area, during which 15 militants were reportedly killed.
