QUETTA: Unidentified gunmen targeted two security checkposts in the rural Sherani subdistrict of Balochistan, resulting in the killing of four law enforcement personnel, security officials said Sunday.
According to Bilal Shabbir, the deputy commissioner of Sherani, an exchange of gunfire unfolded between security forces and attackers, lasting nearly two hours.
He confirmed that during the encounter, another Frontier Corps personnel sustained wounds but was in stable condition.
One militant was killed in the intense firefight, while two others sustained injuries.
Providing additional details, Shabbir said: “The associates of the injured terrorists managed to evacuate them from the scene. The body of the slain militant has been handed over to the Counter-Terrorism Department [of provincial police].”
The bodies of the deceased personnel have been transferred to the District Headquarters (DHQ) hospital of Zhob, where necessary procedures will be carried out.
Expressing his condemnation, Abdul Qudus Bizenjo, the chief minister of Balochistan, denounced the attack as an act of terrorism. He emphasised that such cowardly acts would not dampen the morale of the security forces.
“The sacrifices made by our security forces serve as a guiding light for the entire nation,” said the chief minister.
He also praised the unwavering determination and bravery exhibited by the security forces in ensuring the safety and security of the country and its people.
The bloodshed comes after the government declared a new offensive against militants following a resurgence of attacks in recent months, including a mosque bombing in Peshawar that killed more than 100 people in February.
The military has launched several operations in the province, dismantling the militants’ infrastructure and networks and forcing their leaders to flee to neighbouring Afghanistan.
— With Reuters
