Four Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred while five others were critically injured after militants launched a “dastardly attack” on the Zhob garrison in northern Balochistan, the military’s media affairs wing said.
According to the details, in the wee hours of July 12 (today), a group of terrorists launched a dastardly attack on the garrison, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, mentioning that the initial attempt to sneak into the facility was “checked by soldiers on duty.”
Upon interception, a heavy exchange of fire took place between the terrorists and soldiers, with the militants being “contained into a small area at the boundary.”
Read more: Terrorists killed in South Awaran Operation: ISPR
“In ensuing heavy exchange of fire, the terrorists have been contained into a small area at the boundary,” the ISPR said, adding that three “heavily armed terrorists” had been killed so far.
“A clearance operation by security forces is under way to apprehend remaining two terrorists as well,” the statement said.
“Security forces remain determined to thwart all such ghastly attempts at destroying peace of Balochistan and Pakistan,” it added.
Prayers for the martyrs in Zhob and Dera Bugti. Their bravery averted a huge catastrophe
— Muhammed Hamza Shafqaat (@hamzashafqaat) July 12, 2023
Zhob District Commissioner (DC) Azeem Kakar told the media that a woman civilian was killed after being caught in the crossfire while five other civilians were left injured. A passenger bus coming from Dera Ismail Khan was also caught in the firing. The official added that the severely injured were being referred to Quetta.
Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo condemned the attack on the Zhob garrison and paid tribute to the Pakistan Army for thwarting it by taking swift action.
Read more: PTI urges DG-ISPR brief nation about security situation in KP
Terror attacks have increased in Pakistan, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, as the security forces ramp up operations to eliminate the menace of terrorism.
Earlier this month, four security personnel were martyred while a terrorist was killed after police and Levies checkposts in the Dhana Sar area of Balochistan’s Sherani subdistrict came under attack.