A total of 20 terrorists were killed during Panjgur and Naushki operations in Balochistan as security forces completed the clearance operation on Saturday, the military said.

According to a statement of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), terrorists attacked security forces’ camps in Naushki and Panjgur late evening on February 2. “Both attacks were repulsed successfully by the prompt response from troops at both locations,” it added.

In Naushki, the ISPR said, nine terrorists were killed while four personnel of security forces including an officer embraced martyrdom during the shootout with terrorists while repulsing the terrorist attack.

Read more: Terror fissures in Balochistan

In Panjgur, according to the statement, security forces repulsed the terrorist attack after an intense exchange of fire and terrorists fled from the area. “Security forces carried out clearance operations to hunt down hiding terrorists in the vicinity,” it added.

The military’s media wing said that four fleeing terrorists were killed in Panjgur while four terrorists were encircled the next day by security forces. “All encircled terrorists were killed in today’s operation as they failed to surrender.”

The ISPR said that five soldiers, including a JCO, embraced martyrdom and six soldiers have been injured during follow up operations at Panjgur lasting 72 hours.

Also read: Forces repulse two terror attacks in Balochistan

The official communiqué read that three terrorists linked to the attacks were also killed on Friday including two high-value targets at Balgatar in Kech district in a follow-up clearance operation conducted on a makeshift terrorist hideout.

“Our security forces stand firm and resolutely committed to eliminating the menace of terrorism from our soil no matter what the cost,” the statement further said.

The almost simultaneous attacks started on Wednesday night, targetting the camps of local security forces in Panjgur and Naushki.

Addressing a news conference, Adviser to Balochistan Chief Minister on Home and Tribal Affairs Mir Ziaullah Langau confirmed that the security agencies had intercepted communication between the perpetrators of Panjgur and Naushki attacks and their handlers sitting in the neighbouring countries.

“Brave forces of Pakistan have always rendered matchless sacrifices for the security and peace of the homeland,” he said, adding that timely response by the security forces saved Panjgur and Naushki from a huge loss of human lives.

“Attacks by the anti-peace elements on security check posts were successfully repulsed,” he added.

Reiterating the government resolve, he stressed that the country’s forces would defeat the nefarious designs of the enemy.

“We are proud of our soldiers who successfully repulsed the attacks of the coward enemy while inflicting heavy damage upon the terrorists,” he added.

Read: PM Imran lauds armed forces for repulsing terror attacks in Panjgur, Naushki

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan lauded the country’s armed forces for “repulsing” the terror attacks.

“We salute our brave soldiers who have repulsed terrorist attacks on military camps in Balochistan, Panjgur and Naushki,” Premier Imran said on his official Twitter handle.

“The whole nation stands united behind its soldiers who are making great sacrifices for our protection and defence.”

In a statement on Thursday, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid strongly condemned the terrorist attacks on camps of security forces.

Rashid appreciated the security forces for repulsing the terrorist attacks on security camps.

He said, “Our armed forces are fully capable to cope with the menace of terrorism. I pay tribute to the determination and courage of the security forces in eradicating terrorism.”

He said security forces would never allow terrorists to succeed in their nefarious design.
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the terrorist attack on the security forces.

“We pay tribute to the Armed Forces for their bravery in the face of terrorist attacks in Balochistan,” the PML-N president said on Twitter. “The people salute their brave sons who have sacrificed their lives for the defence, security and peace of the motherland.”

He said the nation was united to eradicate terrorism.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also condemned the attacks on security forces by terrorists.

“Terrorism in any form is a killer of civilisation and humanity,” he said in a statement. “Elements challenging state authority should be dealt with iron fists.”

Bilawal said that the sacrifices of the security forces were “a testament to our commitment to safeguarding our national sovereignty”.

“The whole nation is united against the terrorists, the sacrifices of the security forces will not go in vain.”

Bilawal expressed heartfelt sympathy and solidarity with the families of the martyrs and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured soldiers.

The attacks were the latest in a string of terrorist acts seen in recent weeks in the province. Last week, the ISPR said that terrorists attacked a check post in the Kech district of Balochistan in which 10 soldiers were martyred.

According to the ISPR, the “fire raid” by terrorists in Kech had occurred on the night between January 25 and 26. It had stated that the forces repulsed the attack and “during an intense exchange of fire” one terrorist was also killed and several others injured.