18 soldiers martyred, 12 terrorists killed in Kalat clash

At least 18 soldiers were martyred and 12 terrorists killed as security forces launched an operation against an attempt to establish roadblocks in Balochistan’s Kalat district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported.

According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, terrorists on the night of Jan 31 launched a bid to establish roadblocks in the general area of Kalat’s Mangocher.

“On behest of inimical and hostile forces, this cowardly act of terrorism was aimed at disrupting the peaceful environment of Balochistan by targeting mainly the innocent civilians,” the statement read, adding that security forces and law enforcement agencies were immediately mobilised to thwart the evil designs.

Security forces sent 12 terrorists to hell, ensuring security and protection of the local populace, ISPR said. However, it added, during the conduct of operations, 18 brave sons of soil, having fought gallantly, made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat.

“Ensuing sanitisation operations are being conducted and the perpetrators, facilitators and abettors of this heinous and cowardly act, will be brought to justice,” the military vowed, saying that the country’s security forces remained determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan.

Such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve, it added.

According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), President Asif Ali Zardari has strongly condemned the attack and expressed deep grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of 18 security personnel.

“The president paid tribute to the martyred personnel, praying for their high ranks and for the bereaved families to bear the losses with fortitude,” the President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.

He also praised the security forces for their timely action, and observed that terrorist elements wanted to disrupt peace in Balochistan.

“The people of Pakistan had rejected those elements who wanted to disturb law and order in the country,” he said, adding that the entire nation supported its security forces in the fight against terrorism.

It merits a mention that a spike in terror activities has been reported over the past couple of months as Pakistan continues to reiterate its resolve for lasting peace in troubled areas of Balochistan.

Armed insurgency coupled with the use of Afghan soil for terror attacks in Pakistan has witnessed the martyrdom of dozens of security personnel in recent months as Islamabad continues to call on Kabul to ensure that terrorist hideouts across the country’s western border were destroyed.