Nine cops martyred, 15 terrorists killed in Ziarat clearance operation

QUETTA -- Nine police personnel were martyred after heavily armed militants attacked a police checkpoint in the Mangi area of Ziarat district, triggering an intense exchange of fire. Security forces later killed 15 militants during a comprehensive clearance operation.

According to Ziarat Superintendent of Police (SP) Abdul Qadoos, the assailants launched a coordinated attack on the police post in Mangi, where nine police officials embraced martyrdom while resisting the assault.

The bodies of the fallen personnel have been shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, he said.

SP Abdul Qadoos further revealed that the attackers had abducted five police personnel during the assault. However, rescue efforts were immediately launched to secure their safe recovery.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack, describing the perpetrators as "Indian-sponsored terrorists."

He paid tribute to the nine martyred police personnel and expressed heartfelt condolences to their bereaved families, praying for strength and patience during this difficult time.

"The martyrs who sacrificed their lives for peace are the pride of our nation. Their unparalleled sacrifices will never be forgotten. Such cowardly attacks cannot undermine Pakistan's resolve for peace," the minister said.

Balochistan Chief Minister's spokesperson Shahid Rind said the clearance operation against militants was successfully completed by a joint force comprising the Frontier Corps (FC), Police, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Special Operations Wing (SOW) and the Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF).

He said the militants had paid a heavy price for attempting to disrupt peace in Balochistan, adding that security forces and police had foiled their malicious designs by eliminating 15 militants during the operation.

According to Shahid Rind, the attack claimed the lives of nine police officers and personnel, including the Station House Officers (SHOs) of Mangi and Kawas police stations, the officer in charge of the Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF), and several other officials.

He further stated that DSP Ghulam Sarwar and eight other police personnel reached Kach Police Station safely, while Constable Rizwan, who had been abducted during the attack, was also recovered safely.