At least 10 security forces soldiers and four personnel of law enforcement agencies were martyred and 21 terrorists were killed in ensuing clearance operations after militants’ attacks in Balochistan’s Musa Khel, Kalat, and Lasbela districts on Sunday night, the military’s media wing said on Monday.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations said that terrorists attempted to conduct numerous heinous activities in Balochistan late Sunday night that continued till the wee hours of Monday.

“On the behest of inimical and hostile forces, these cowardly acts of terrorism were aimed at disrupting the peaceful environment and development of Balochistan by targeting mainly the innocent civilians, especially in Musa Khel, Kalat and Labela districts,” it said.

In the Musa Khel district, terrorists stopped a bus in general area of Rara Sham and “maliciously targeted innocent citizens” working in Balochistan to earn their livelihood. They killed at least 23 people after checking their identities. Militants also attacked Levies and police stations in Mastung, Kalat, Pasni and Suntsar, according to media reports.

Reports of blasts and grenade attacks were also received from Sibi, Panjgur, Mastung, Turbat, Bela, and Quetta.

“Security forces and law enforcement agencies immediately responded and successfully thwarted the evil design of terrorists and sent twenty-one terrorists to hell in ensuing clearance operations, ensuring security and protection of local populace.

However, during the conduct of operations, fourteen brave sons of soil including ten Security Forces soldiers and four personnel of law enforcement agencies, having fought gallantly, made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat,“ it said.

The ISPR statement added that sanitisation operations were being conducted and the “instigators, perpetrators, facilitators and abettors” of such acts, targeting innocent civilians, would be brought to justice.

“Security forces and law enforcement agencies 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 brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” it said.