A terrorist attack on a Customs check post at Ziarat Cross was successfully thwarted, according to security sources.
Terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan attempted to attack the Ziarat Cross check post, but security personnel responded promptly and engaged the attackers.
The security personnel fought back and inflicted heavy losses on the terrorists, forcing them to flee the area.
During the exchange of fire, a fire broke out at the Customs warehouse. The blaze was brought under control shortly afterwards.
Additional contingents of security forces have reached the area, while a search and clearance operation is underway to locate and eliminate any remaining threats.
Authorities have continued to monitor the situation, with security measures tightened in the surrounding area.
Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3: Fitna al Hindustan’s attack customs check post at Ziarat cross foiled, 10 killed
Terrorists affiliated with FAK and FAH launched an attack on a Customs checkpost at Ziarat Cross during the night of August 31 and September 1, according to initial information.
Frontier Corps (FC) and police personnel had also been deployed at the site to provide security to Customs officials. The personnel stationed at the checkpost put up strong resistance and engaged the attackers in an intense exchange of fire.
According to initial security sources, 10 terrorists were killed during the encounter. A Customs official and six security personnel, including an officer, sustained injuries in the ensuing firefight.
FC Quick Reaction Forces (QRFs) have reached the area and launched a pursuit operation to track down the fleeing attackers. Search and clearance operations are also underway.
The attack has raised concerns over what security authorities describe as a political-terror-criminal nexus. The Ziarat Cross Customs checkpost plays an important role in monitoring vehicles without customs documentation, drug trafficking and other smuggled goods entering Pakistan from Afghanistan through the Spin Boldak-Chaman border crossing.
Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3
Pakistan’s security forces recently carried out an intelligence-based operation in Washuk, Balochistan. The operation killed eight militants linked to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
According to security officials, the operation targeted a militant hideout in Washuk district.
The forces faced resistance during the operation. An exchange of fire followed, resulting in the deaths of eight BLA militants. A senior militant commander was also among those killed.
The hideout was destroyed during the operation. Security forces also recovered weapons and ammunition from the site.
The operation was part of ongoing efforts to stop militant attacks in Balochistan.
Operation near Quetta
Earlier, security forces also carried out an operation in the Kambela and Asimabad areas near Quetta.
Officials said eight to 10 militants were killed or injured during the operation. The forces also carried out a search and clearance operation across 68 square kilometres.
Two militant bodies were recovered. Three to four militants were also injured. This included a commander named Shaukat Mama.
Security personnel also detained 12 suspects during the operation.
According to officials, the forces destroyed suspected militant hideouts and removed flags linked to Fitna al-Hindustan.
Read more: Operation Radd-ul-Fitna 3: Security forces attack militant hideout in Balochistan