Balochistan Suffers Multiple Terror Attacks; 10, Including Security Personnel, Martyred
In a tragic incident in Kalat, Balochistan, at least 10 people, including police officers and Balochistan Levies personnel, were martyred in a gun attack, authorities reported on Monday.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dostin Dashti confirmed that the victims included a police sub-inspector, four Levies personnel, and five civilians. Following the attack, the assailants fled the scene, prompting security forces to launch an area clearance operation.
The exchange of fire between the police and the armed men continued throughout the night along Kalat’s national highway and within the city. Kalat Assistant Commissioner Aftab Ahmed and a Levies officer were also injured during the incident. While the injured security personnel were admitted to the hospital, the condition of Aftab Ahmed was reported to be stable.
Security sources revealed that multiple sites in Balochistan were targeted by terrorists on the night of August 24-25. In response, security forces retaliated, killing 12 terrorists and injuring several others. The security operation will continue until the threat is neutralized.
Railway Bridge Destroyed in Bolan
In a separate attack, terrorists blew up a railway bridge in the Dozan area of Bolan. This led to the suspension of railway services between Punjab and Sindh. Railway tracks in Mastung and Sheikh Wasil were also destroyed in explosions, resulting in the cancellation of a goods train from Quetta to Taftan. Additionally, Bolan Mail and Jaffer Express trains were unable to depart from Quetta for Karachi and Rawalpindi, respectively.
Trains coming to Quetta from Sindh and Punjab were halted at various stations. Bolan Mail was stopped at Larkana station, while a train from Rawalpindi was halted in Sukkur.
In response to these attacks, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti convened an emergency meeting to address the security situation. The government spokesperson confirmed that it would take time to repair the damaged railway bridge, which was apparently destroyed using explosives.
Levies Station Targeted in Mastung
Armed men also attacked a Levies station in Mastung, setting several vehicles and records on fire. While no personnel were harmed, the attackers managed to seize the station temporarily before being driven out by security forces. The assailants escaped before they could be apprehended, but the body of an unidentified person was found near the station.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that four unidentified bodies were found in the Kolpur area of Bolan. The victims appeared to have been shot, and their bodies were transferred to Civil Hospital for identification. The process of identifying the victims is ongoing.
