15 Militants and Nine Police Officers Killed in Balochistan Attack

Islamabad – Pakistani security forces eliminated 15 militants during a joint clearance operation following an overnight assault on a police post in Balochistan’s southwestern region that resulted in the deaths of nine officers, according to a provincial government spokesman on Tuesday.

The attack struck a police outpost in the remote Ziarat district, where militants launched a pre‑dawn assault that sparked a gunbattle. This incident represents the latest surge in militant violence in Balochistan, where separatist and Islamist groups have increasingly targeted security forces.

‘A joint clearance operation against the militants in Ziarat district was successfully completed by the security forces, Frontier Corps, Balochistan Police, the Counter‑Terrorism Department, the Special Operations Wing and the Anti‑Terrorism Force (ATF), resulting in the deaths of 15 terrorists,’ Shahid Rind, the provincial administration’s spokesperson, said to Arab News by phone.

He reported that nine police officers were killed in the attack, including the station house officers of the Mangi and Kawas police stations.

Rind said that eight police officers who had been abducted during the assault safely arrived at the Kach police station, and another constable was also rescued.

‘The terrorists have paid a heavy price for attempting to disrupt peace in Balochistan, and they will have no safe haven in the province,’ he added. ‘Intelligence‑driven operations against militants will proceed with greater effectiveness, and decisive action will be taken against anyone who challenges the state’s authority.’

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack in a statement from his office, paying tribute to the fallen officers and extending condolences to their families.

‘This attack once again demonstrates that these perpetrators are enemies of Balochistan’s development, peace and the prosperity of its people,’ Sharif said.

‘No one will be permitted to undermine peace in Balochistan,’ he added, pledging that the campaign against militants will continue until they are eliminated.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused India of supporting militant groups operating in Balochistan, a claim that New Delhi denies.

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