QUETTA/ KARACHI: Militants targeted security forces at two different locations in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, said the army’s public relations wing ISPR on Wednesday night, adding that the attackers were suffered heavy casualties in response.
Balochistan has witnessed low-intensity insurgency by separatist groups for decades, with the government launching full-scale military operations as well as targeted interventions to quell it.
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday paid tribute to Pakistan’s security forces who repulsed the attacks launched by the militants.
“We salute our brave security forces who repulsed terrorist attacks against security forces' camps in Panjgur & Naushki, Balochistan,” PM Khan said, adding 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 nation stands united behind our security forces who continue to give great sacrifices to protect us.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 3, 2022
Wednesday’s attacks, which were claimed by a proscribed faction, targeted Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters in Panjgur and Noshki.
“Terrorists attempted to attack security forces camps at two locations, Panjgur and Noshki, in Balochistan late evening today,” said the ISPR. “Both attacks have been successfully repulsed while inflicting heavy casualties on terrorists.”
Noshki’s assistant commissioner Jahanzaib Sheikh told Arab News that fighting was still going on in the area.
“The gunbattle still continues as the attackers are inside the FC compound while we have reports that two people, including an FC soldier, have been injured in the attack,” he said.
Sheikh mentioned that he heard an explosion, adding: “The windowpanes of the DC [deputy commissioner] Office and district education office shattered due to the intensity of the blast.”
He informed that a large number of security personnel were participating in the Noshki operation.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the proscribed Baloch Liberation Army said in an email to the media the attacks on FC headquarters were carried out by the Majeed Brigade of the organization.
“Baloch Liberation Army’s Majeed Brigade has carried out massive attacks on Noshki and Panjgur FC headquarters,” said the email, adding that suicide attackers had “successfully entered” the security forces’ camps by killing dozens of military personnel.
Speaking to Arab News, Dr. Zaffar Mengal, medical superintendent of DHQ hospital in Noshki, said the blast had also damaged the medical facility.
“The gunbattle is still underway,” he said while informing that fighting started at about 7:15pm.
The ISPR also said in its statement that “intermittent firing was continuing” in the area.
“In Panjgur, terrorists tried to enter security forces camp from two locations,” it said. “However, timely response by troops foiled terrorist attempt. During intense exchange of fire, one soldier has been martyred. Terrorists have fled while their casualties are being ascertained.”
“In Noshki,” the statement added, “terrorists attempted to enter FC camp which was promptly responded. Four terrorists have been killed. One officer has been injured during the shoot out.”
Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan in terms of landmass. It is also home to the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project which has been launched to enhance trade and regional connectivity.