Two terrorists were successfully neutralized by security forces after they carried out an attack on a military convoy in Gwadar, a city in Balochistan, Pakistan. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attack took place on Sunday morning, with small arms and hand grenades used by the terrorists. The prompt and efficient response from the security forces resulted in the elimination of the attackers, without any harm to military or civilian personnel. The military expressed its determination to foil the attempts of those who seek to disrupt peace and prosperity in the country.
In a separate statement, it was revealed that the targeted convoy was carrying Chinese workers. The Chinese consulate in Karachi confirmed that the convoy was attacked with roadside bombs and gunfire, but no Chinese citizens were injured or killed in the incident. The consulate urged the Pakistani authorities to take strong action against the perpetrators and enhance security measures to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals, institutions, and projects in the country.
Former President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack and called for the apprehension of the planners behind it. He praised the soldiers for their retaliatory action and emphasized the need to eliminate terrorists from the region.
Successful Operation in Bajaur: 4 Terrorists Killed, 1 Arrested
In a related incident, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Bajaur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resulting in the neutralization of four terrorists and the arrest of one. The operation was launched following reports of the presence of terrorists in the Charmang area. An intense exchange of gunfire occurred between the security forces and the militants, leading to the elimination of four terrorists while one was apprehended. The operation also led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and a suicide vest.
The militants were noted to be actively involved in several terrorist activities against security forces and the killing of innocent civilians, particularly through suicide bombings. The ISPR expressed the determination of Pakistan’s security forces to eliminate terrorism from the region and emphasized the ongoing efforts to sanitize the area to ensure the complete eradication of terrorists.
Increasing Terror Activities in Pakistan
Pakistan has experienced a rise in terror activities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the ceasefire withdrawal by the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in November last year. A report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies revealed a significant increase in terror and suicide attacks during the first half of this year, resulting in the loss of 389 lives across the country.
On July 12, a series of military operations in the Zhob and Sui areas of Balochistan resulted in the martyrdom of 12 Pakistan Army soldiers, marking the highest death toll from terrorist attacks in a single day this year. The Foreign Office later confirmed the involvement of Afghan terrorists in the Zhob attack.
Additional reporting by Nadir Guramani