37 terrorists killed, 10 security personnel martyred as attacks foiled in Balochistan

QUETTA:

At least 37 terrorists were killed and 10 security personnel martyred after security forces foiled coordinated attacks in 12 locations across Balochistan overnight, security officials said on Saturday.

“Terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan – the term used by civil and military authorities for Balochistan terrorists – carried out cowardly attacks in 12 different locations in Balochistan last night,” security sources said. They added that prompt and effective action by security forces and other law enforcement agencies foiled all attacks.

Security sources said 37 terrorists had been killed so far, while 10 soldiers and police officers were martyred “as they fought to protect the land and its people.” Pursuit and engagement operations continue at several locations, with reports of further casualties and losses among the militants, the sources said.

Officials said law enforcement agencies have already killed 41 terrorists linked to the same group in separate operations across Balochistan in the last 48 hours.

Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said in a post on

Meanwhile, armed attacks, firing and explosions were reported in several parts of the province, including Quetta. Police said gunmen attacked a police mobile unit on Sariab Road in Quetta, killing two police officers and injuring three others. The injured were transported to a nearby hospital. The police vehicle caught fire after the attack, which was later put out by firefighters.

An explosion near Hockey Chowk in the red zone injured two people, who were also taken to hospital. Following these incidents, authorities sealed off parts of the red zone, while the activities of the Civil Secretariat, courts and some government offices were temporarily suspended.

Officials said gunmen also attacked Khaliq Shaheed police station in the Eastern Bypass Zone, causing casualties. Videos of an attack on Sheikh Zayed Hospital on the Quetta-Karachi road have been circulating on social media. Gunmen also targeted private banks in Hazarganji and entered a private school on Zarghoon Road, officials said.

Shooting was reported on several main roads, including Sariab Road, Qambrani Road and Zarghoon Road, as security forces exchanged fire with attackers. Security checkpoints have been set up at entry and exit points of Quetta, and residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary movement.

Mobile data services were suspended in Quetta, while internet services were temporarily shut down in other parts of Balochistan due to the security situation. Emergency measures have been imposed at government hospitals in the province, including Quetta Civil Hospital, BMC Hospital and trauma centers.

Security officials said attempts were made to carry out attacks in Quetta, Noshki, Dalbandin, Kalat, Gwadar, Pasni, Tump and Mastung. Mine clearance operations continue in the affected areas and several terrorists have been killed.

In Mastung, Kalat and Pasni, terrorists attempted to target government buildings and security installations. In Mastung, gunfire and explosions injured several people, including a police officer, while attackers freed more than 30 prisoners from the central prison, officials said. Clashes were also reported near the DC headquarters and police lines in Kalat.

In Noshki, gunmen kidnapped Deputy Commissioner Hussain Hazara and his family, then released a video of the kidnapped official. In Pasni, a coast guard post was attacked, which security forces repelled, killing eight terrorists in retaliatory fire, officials said.

Authorities closed the Quetta-Sibi highway in Bolan to all traffic, closed the Quetta-Karachi-Taftan highway in Lak Pass and blocked the Qila Saifullah-Rakhni road. In Nasirabad, security forces defused explosive materials placed on a railway track.

Shahid Rind said the terrorists attempted attacks in a few places but were repelled, adding that the situation was under control. Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar visited hospitals and ordered authorities to immediately provide the best possible medical care to the injured, urging the public to avoid unnecessary crowds.

Officials said the security situation was continuously monitored and all necessary measures were taken to protect the public.