**RAWALPINDI:** At least six terrorists were killed and four others injured in an attempted attack on a security check post in the Kalat district of Balochistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported.
The Pakistan Army’s media wing stated that on the night of November 15-16, 2024, a group of terrorists launched an assault on a security forces’ post in the Shah-e-Mardan area of Kalat District. The statement highlighted the bravery of the troops who engaged the attackers, resulting in the death of six terrorists and injuries to four others.
“During the fierce exchange of fire, seven soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting gallantly,” the ISPR statement read.
The operation to clear the area and eliminate any remaining terrorists is ongoing, the statement added. The Pakistan security forces remain steadfast in their efforts to protect Balochistan from efforts to disrupt its peace, stability, and development.
“Such sacrifices further strengthen our determination to continue the fight against terrorism,” the statement concluded.
Saturday’s attack came just days after security forces eliminated four terrorists, including a high-value target, during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Kech district of Balochistan on November 12-13.
Earlier in the month, on November 12-13, security forces carried out an IBO in the Miran Shah area of North Waziristan, based on intelligence reports about the presence of terrorists.
According to a report by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), the third quarter of 2024 (July-September) saw a significant spike in fatalities related to terrorist violence and counter-terrorism operations, with a 90% increase in such incidents. A total of 722 people, including civilians, security personnel, and militants, were killed, and 615 others were injured across 328 recorded incidents.
The majority of these fatalities—nearly 97%—occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, marking the highest proportion of such casualties in a decade. More than 92% of the incidents were concentrated in these two provinces.
The total death toll for the first three quarters of 2024 has now surpassed the total fatalities recorded for the entire year of 2023, with at least 1,534 deaths compared to 1,523 last year.
The report also noted that terrorist groups continue to regroup and expand their ranks. Many of the recent attacks have not been claimed by any specific group, likely for strategic reasons.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist assault in Kalat and lauded the courage and resilience of the security forces. He praised the soldiers who killed six terrorists and apprehended four others. The prime minister also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the seven security personnel who lost their lives during the clash, offering prayers for their strength and the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks in the hereafter.
Reaffirming the nation’s commitment to eradicating terrorism, the prime minister emphasized that the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces and their families were critical to the survival and security of the country. “We will continue this fight until terrorism is completely eliminated,” he added.
