At least 18 soldiers of the Frontier Corps have been martyred in the Kalat district of Balochistan during a security operation against terrorists who were attempting to set up road blocks in the region to target civilian vehicles, according to the military wing of Pakistan military.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement on Saturday afternoon, saying 12 terrorists were also killed in the operation. Separately, at least 11 terrorists were killed in Balochistan’s Harnai.

The statement said, “On night 31 January/ 1 February, terrorists attempted to establish road blocks in general area Mangocher, Kalat District of Balochistan.

“On behest of inimical and hostile forces, this cowardly act of terrorism was aimed at disrupting the peaceful environment of Balochistan by targeting mainly the innocent civilians.

“Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies were immediately mobilized, who successfully thwarted the evil design of terrorists and sent twelve terrorists to hell, ensuring security and protection of the local populace.

“However, during the conduct of operations, eighteen brave sons of soil, having fought gallantly, made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat.

“Ensuing sanitization operations are being conducted and the perpetrators, facilitators and abettors of this heinous and cowardly act, will be brought to justice.

“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 brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.”

Separately, the ISPR said forces had destroyed several hideouts of terrorists in Harnai district where at least 11 terrorists were killed.

Vehicles targeted on road

Brigadier (retd) Babar said the terrorists were targeting people by blocking road and security forces had to conduct the operation. He said it was due to security operations that terrorists could not operate freely in Balochistan otherwise civilians causality could have been much higher.

Mujeeb Ahmed of Aaj News said militants fired on buses traveling between Karachi and Quetta injuring civilians and leading to traffic halt.

He said banned separatist group BLA had accepted responsibility for the attack. Ahmed said an uptick in attacks were seen in the regions due to what he called ‘local support’ that multiplied with the external support terrorists had.

Mujeeb said if the forces had not intervened there could have be large number of civilian casualties.