At least seven soldiers embraced martyrdom and four sustained injuries in clashes with terrorists in Balochistan's towns of Panjgur and Naushki on Thursday, according to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
On Wednesday, the security forces claimed to have successfully "repulsed terrorists attacks" in the two towns of Balochistan in which 15 terrorists were killed. Later, the security forces carried out a clearance operation to hunt down other men hiding in the area.
In Naushki, security forces encountered and killed five more men bringing tally to nine killed in Naushki. while four soldiers were martyred including an officer in this attack, read the Pakistan Army's media wing press release.
At Panjgur, security forces operation was continuing to eliminate fleeing terrorists in which four terrorists had been killed in the town so far, while at least four to five others were encircled by security forces. During intense fighting three soldiers embraced martyrdom, while four others sustained injuries, according to the ISPR press release.
"As per initial investigation, intelligence agencies have intercepted communications between terrorists and their handlers in Afghanistan and India," it added.
Earlier on Thursday, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said that a total of 15 terrorists were killed on Wednesday night after they attacked security forces' camps in Balochistan's Naushki and Panjgur.
In a video message posted on his Twitter handle, the minister said terrorists attacked the security forces' camps which was successfully repulsed by the Pakistan Army soldiers while inflicting heavy casualties to terrorists.
"Nine terrorists in Balochistan's Naushki and six in Panjgur were killed by the Pakistan Army soldiers. Four soldiers also lost their lives in Naushki attack," Rashid said.
He further said that four to five terrorists are currently surrounded by the Pakistan Army in Panjgur.
The minister also commended the Pakistan Army soldiers for repulsing the terrorist attack.
PM Imran Khan had also lauded the Pakistan Army soldiers, saying that the nation stands united "behind our security forces who continue to give great sacrifices to protect us".
"We salute our brave security forces who repulsed terrorist attacks against security forces' camps in Panjgur & Naushki, Balochistan," the PM said in a tweet on Thursday.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said both attacks were successfully repulsed while inflicting heavy casualties to terrorists.
"In Panjgur, terrorists tried to enter security forces camp from 2 locations. However, timely response by troops foiled the terrorist attempt."
"During intense exchange of fire one soldier has been martyred."
The ISPR further said that terrorists attempted to enter a Frontier Corps (FC) camp which was "promptly responded". Four terrorists were killed.
The statement added that one officer was injured during the shootout and that "intermittent firing" was continuing.
The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attacks in a statement.
