Eighteen soldiers of the Frontier Corps (FC) were martyred during a security operation in the Mangocher area of Balochistan’s Kalat district, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday.
The attack occurred when terrorists attempted to set up roadblocks in Mangocher with the aim of disrupting the region’s peace. The ISPR reported that this cowardly act, orchestrated by hostile forces, was intended to harm innocent civilians and destabilize Balochistan.
In swift retaliation, security forces mobilized and successfully foiled the terrorists’ plan, killing 12 militants while ensuring the safety of the local population. Unfortunately, during the operation, 18 brave soldiers laid down their lives in defense of their country.
A follow-up operation on Saturday in Harnai district led to the elimination of 11 more terrorists, bringing the total number of militants killed to 23. The military has pledged to continue these operations until all those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
The ISPR reaffirmed the security forces’ commitment to safeguarding Balochistan and vowed to prevent any further attempts to disrupt the province’s stability.
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In response to the martyrdom of the soldiers, Defense Analyst Qamar Cheema called for international action regarding the advanced weapons in Afghanistan, which he claimed are being used by groups like the TTP with political support from India. He urged Pakistan to raise this issue on global platforms, particularly as the country serves on the UN Security Council and its Da’esh and Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee.
Political leaders, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, have condemned the attack and praised the sacrifices made by the soldiers. Both leaders vowed to continue efforts to eliminate anti-state elements and bring peace to the region. They also expressed their condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.
This attack follows a series of anti-terror operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where 10 militants were killed in five separate actions. These operations are part of an ongoing effort to combat the surge in violence that has plagued Pakistan since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan.
The year 2024 marked the deadliest period for Pakistan’s military and civilian forces in over a decade, with a record number of fatalities and terror attacks. According to the CRSS Annual Security Report, at least 685 deaths and 444 attacks were recorded in 2024, highlighting the rising threat to national security.
The toll was especially heavy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, with over 2,500 casualties, a tragic reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.
