Separately, at least 11 terrorists were killed in Balochistan’s Harnai.
No matter so-called ‘frenemies’ will be defeated, says COAS Munir. Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir has vowed to defeat the terrorist proxies, whom he described as ‘frenemies’ after 18 paramilitary soldiers were martyred in a security operation in Balochistan’s Kalat, the military’s media wing said.
“Those who are acting as terrorist proxies of their foreign masters who have mastered the art of manifesting double standards of hunting with the hound and running with the hare are well known to us,” COAS Munir said during a visit to the province on Saturday.
“No matter what these so-called ‘frenemies’ may do, you will surely be defeated by the resilience of our proud nation and its Armed Forces Inshallah. For the defence of our motherland and its people, we will definitely retaliate and ‘hunt you down’, whenever required and wherever you may be,” he said.
Eighteen Frontier Corps soldiers were martyred in the Kalat district during a security operation against terrorists who were attempting to set up roadblocks in the region to target civilian vehicles on the night of January 31 and February 1. At least 12 terrorists were also killed in the operation.
Separately, at least 11 terrorists were killed in Balochistan’s Harnai. A statement from the media wing earlier in the day said the terrorism act, on the “behest of inimical and hostile forces,” was aimed at disrupting the peaceful environment.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations said that the army men briefed the COAS on the security situation in Balochistan. Senior security and intelligence officials also attended the meeting.
COAS Munir, Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail and CM Sarfraz Bugti offered funeral prayers for the martyred soldiers. They also visited the injured soldiers in the Combined Military Hospital, Quetta and appreciated their “unwavering commitment to defending the country at all costs.”
The army chief also appreciated the efforts of the officers and soldiers of the army, Frontier Corps and law enforcement agencies for “their courage and determination towards fighting terrorism.”
He reassured the “army’s resolve to ensuring the security and well-being of the people of Balochistan while also reaffirming commitment to supporting the provincial government in its efforts to promote peace, stability, and development in the region.”
