Six personnel, including two officers and a Customs official, were martyred in a coordinated terrorist attack on a Customs House in Balochistan, while security forces also reported the killing of 21 terrorists in two separate incidents.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the incidents took place on August 31 and during the night of August 31-September 1 in Chagai’s Nokcha as well as Ziarat Cross in Pishin district.
On August 31, terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Hindustan established what was described as an illegal checkpoint on the N-40 Quetta-Taftan Highway in an attempt to extort commuters.
Security forces responded and killed 11 terrorists following an exchange of fire. A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from the terrorists, the military’s media wing said.
Separately, terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij launched a coordinated attack during the night in an attempt to breach the Customs House.
Security forces killed 10 terrorists in the ensuing exchange of fire, while fleeing terrorists were also engaged, resulting in further casualties.
The exchange of fire also left six personnel, including two officers and a government official from the Customs Department, dead, the military said.
ISPR described the Customs House attack as a manifestation of a “terror-crime nexus”, alleging that it was orchestrated to prevent Customs officials from performing their lawful duties and facilitate the continuation of criminal activities in the area.
Sanitisation operations are continuing in the surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining terrorists and ensure the safety of the local population and national highways.
