QUETTA: At least nine police personnel were killed after armed attackers assaulted a police checkpost in Ziarat district, Balochistan, according to local authorities. Officials said a security clearance operation has since been completed, and police personnel initially reported missing have been recovered.
According to Ziarat SP Abdul Qudoos, the attack took place at a police checkpost in the Mangi area, where heavily armed assailants opened fire on security personnel. A gun battle followed, resulting in the deaths of nine police officers and officials.
The bodies of the deceased were shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital for legal formalities and identification.
Earlier, the district police chief had said that five police personnel were taken away by the attackers during the assault and that efforts had been launched to secure their recovery.
Clearance Operation Completed
Later, Balochistan Chief Minister’s spokesperson Shahid Rind announced that a joint clearance operation had been completed following the attack.
According to him, the operation was carried out by the Frontier Corps (FC), Balochistan Police, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Special Operations Wing (SOW), and Anti-Terrorist Force (ATF).
Shahid Rind stated that the attack claimed the lives of nine police officers and personnel, including the Station House Officers (SHOs) of Mangi and Kawas police stations, the ATF in-charge, and several other officials.
He added that DSP Ghulam Sarwar and eight police personnel reached Kach Police Station safely, while Constable Rizwan was also recovered safely during the operation.
Interior Minister Condemns Attack
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack and paid tribute to the police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
In a statement, the minister expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for strength and patience for the bereaved relatives.
He said the fallen officers made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of maintaining peace and security, adding that their services and sacrifices would not be forgotten.
The minister also stated that such attacks would not succeed in undermining peace and stability in the country.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched an investigation into the attack, while security agencies continue efforts to determine the identity of those responsible and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The attack is among the latest in a series of security incidents reported from Balochistan, where law enforcement agencies have continued operations against militant groups active in various parts of the province.
Officials said security has been heightened in the area following the incident, and further measures are being taken to prevent similar attacks in the future.
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