Seven soldiers martyred, 18 injured in Kalat FC post ambush

RAWALPINDI: Seven soldiers were martyred while six terrorists were killed in Kalat district on the night of 15-16 November, 2024.

Terrorists attempted to attack a security forces check-post in general area Shah-e-Mardan of Kalat District, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement said.

Troops fought gallantly, as a result of which six terrorists were sent to hell, while four terrorists were injured. However, during an intense exchange of fire, seven brave sons of the soil, having fought gallantly, embraced shahadat.

Sanitization operation is being carried out to eliminate any terrorist found in the area.

Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan, and such sacrifices of our soldiers further strengthen our resolve, the ISPR statement said. Officials said seven security personnel were martyred in an armed attack on a Frontier Corps (FC) post in the mountainous Johan area, approximately 45 kms from Kalat town, on Saturday.

The attack occurred at the Shah Mardan check-post, situated atop a mountain in Kalat district, when armed militants launched a pre-dawn assault using automatic weapons, including rockets and hand-grenades.

“Seven soldiers posted at the check-post lost their lives, while 18 others sustained injuries in the attack,” said Naeem Bazai, Commissioner of Kalat Division. The injured and the bodies were airlifted to the CMH Quetta in the early hours of Saturday.

According to levies and police officials, a large group of armed militants surrounded the FC check-post in the early hours of Saturday and launched a coordinated assault. The security personnel on duty returned the fire, resulting in a heavy exchange that lasted at least three hours.

“Approximately three dozen armed men cordoned off the Shah Mardan check-post and attacked with heavy weapons,” said Habib Ullah, a senior officer with the Kalat police. Residents of Johan reported hearing explosions and intense gunfire until the early morning hours.

Reinforcements were dispatched to the area following reports of the attack, engaging the assailants and forcing them to flee. A search operation was launched in the vast terrain surrounding Johan to track down the militants involved. “Security forces have initiated a comprehensive search operation to locate and apprehend those responsible for the attack,” said Bilal Shabir, Deputy Commissioner of Kalat.

The martyred soldiers were identified as Naik Bakhat Zaman, Lance Naik Ghulam Ishaq, Lance Naik Abdul Qadeer, Sepoy Rizwan, Sepoy Waqas, Sepoy Ali Abbas, and Sepoy Saqib-ur-Rehman.

The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack through a statement issued by its spokesperson to the media.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the terrorist attack and expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of martyred soldiers. “The elements spreading chaos and unrest in Balochistan are enemies of the people and the province’s development,” the prime minister said. He assured that the government would not waver in its commitment to the region’s progress and prosperity.

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti also condemned the attack and assured the grieving families that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. He directed health authorities to provide the best possible medical care to injured soldiers.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi offered tribute to the martyred personnel and extended condolences to their families. He emphasized that their sacrifices for peace and security would be remembered forever.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also condemned the attack, paying homage to soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation. They reaffirmed that such sacrifices would never be in vain and praised the unwavering commitment of the armed forces to ensure peace in the country.