Seven security personnel were martyred in Balochistan’s Kalat in an exchange of fire with terrorists who attempted to attack a security forces’ post in the general area Shah-e-Mardan of the Kalat district in Balochistan, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations said that six terrorists were killed in the gun battle.

Sanitisation operation was being carried out to eliminate any terrorists found in the area, it added.

“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 statement said.

Pakistan has seen an increase in militancy since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021, with the Pakistani chapter of the movement carrying out attacks mostly targeting security forces.

On Thursday, two security personnel, including a major, were martyred in an exchange of fire with terrorists in Balochistan’s Harnai. The martyred security forces personnel were identified as Major Muhammad Haseeb, 28, a Rawalpindi resident, and Havildar Noor Ahmed, 38, a Barkhan resident.

Last week, a suicide attack near the Quetta Railway Station killed at least 27 people and injured more than 50 people.

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The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority announced on Friday that mobile internet services in certain parts of Balochistan were suspended to “ensure public safety”.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the terrorist attack and offered his condolences to the bereaved families.

“Such cowardly acts cannot deter our resolve — together with our nation and security forces, we will eliminate this menace,” the premier said in a post on X.