At least six terrorists were killed and four others injured during an attempted assault on a security check post in Kalat district, Balochistan, while seven soldiers lost their lives in the exchange of gunfire, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
In a statement on Saturday, the Pakistan Army’s media wing reported that the attack took place on the night of November 15-16, 2024, when terrorists targeted a security post in the Shah-e-Mardan area of Kalat District.
“Despite the terrorists’ attack, our troops fought bravely, resulting in the deaths of six militants and the injury of four others,” the statement said.
However, the statement also confirmed that seven soldiers, who fought courageously, embraced martyrdom during the intense firefight.
The operation to clear the area of remaining terrorists is ongoing, and security forces are committed to maintaining peace and stability in Balochistan, the ISPR added. “The sacrifices of our soldiers only strengthen our resolve.”
This assault came just three days after security forces killed at least four terrorists, including a high-value target, during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Kech district of Balochistan.
A similar operation took place earlier, from November 12-13, in North Waziristan’s Miran Shah area, targeting a terrorist hideout.
Notably, terrorist violence and counter-terrorism operations saw a significant rise in the third quarter of 2024, with a 90% increase in fatalities, according to a report by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS). A total of 722 people, including civilians, security forces, and militants, were killed, while 615 others were injured in 328 incidents during that period. The majority of these fatalities occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, marking the highest number of deaths in a decade.
So far in 2024, fatalities have already surpassed the total number from 2023, with at least 1,534 deaths recorded by the end of September.
In response to the Kalat attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the assault and praised the security forces for their bravery, which resulted in the killing of six terrorists and the capture of four others. The prime minister also paid tribute to the seven soldiers who lost their lives, offering condolences to their families and praying for their courage.
He emphasized that the fight against terrorism would continue until the complete eradication of terrorist groups, with the entire nation standing by its armed forces.
