- Quick response by security forces eliminates three attackers after suicide bomber targets FC headquarters main gate
- Security sources say clearance operation ongoing until last of militants neutralized
QUETTA: At least three terrorists were killed on Sunday in a swift retaliatory operation by security forces after one of the attackers detonated himself at the main gate of the Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters in Nokkundi, Balochistan, officials said.
The incident marks the latest in a series of escalating attacks in the province targeting law enforcement and security installations.
According to a statement issued by the FC Balochistan South spokesperson, the attackers belonged to Fitna al-Khawarij, a designation used by the state for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The spokesperson said the assault began when a suicide bomber blew himself up at the FC headquarters’ main gate, prompting quick response force personnel to engage the remaining assailants, killing three terrorists.
Security forces continue a clearance operation at the site, with officials stating that the “last of the terrorists will also be dealt with soon.”
Preliminary reports indicated that at least six armed militants entered the headquarters compound following the initial blast. The operation was ongoing past midnight, with no further casualties confirmed at the time.
Meanwhile, a checkpost in Gurmakan, Panjgur district, also reportedly came under attack during the day.
Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have witnessed a surge in terrorist incidents since the TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. Following the ceasefire’s collapse, the group vowed to target security forces, police, and other law enforcement personnel.
The Nokkundi attack came a day after seven explosions struck Quetta and Dera Murad Jamali, disrupting daily life and infrastructure. One blast damaged a railway track near Quetta, halting train services across the province.
The first incident occurred near a police checkpost on Qambrani Road, Quetta, when unidentified assailants hurled a grenade. Shortly after, a motorcycle carrying an improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated remotely as a Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) vehicle transporting bomb disposal personnel passed by.
No casualties were reported in either attack, SSP (Operations) Capt (retd) Asif Khan said.
Two additional blasts were reported later: one on the railway line near Lohr Karez, which damaged the main track linking Quetta to other regions, and another involving a grenade thrown at Manzoor Shaheed Police Station, which failed to detonate.
Another grenade exploded in the Kechi Beg area targeting a police patrol, but caused no injuries. In Dera Murad Jamali, attackers targeted a police vehicle at DC Chowk; the device was defused by the bomb disposal squad.
Additionally, armed men attacked a construction company camp in Quetta’s Sariab area late on Saturday night.
Security officials continue to investigate the incidents, emphasizing the need for vigilance as the province remains on high alert amid a resurgence of militant activity targeting key installations and public spaces.
