Fourteen Pakistan Army soldiers were tragically died following a treacherous ambush by terrorists in the Gwadar district of Balochistan, as confirmed by the military’s media affairs division on Friday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the deplorable attack unfolded as the security forces’ vehicles were en route from Pasni to Ormara when they came under ambush. Tragically, the incident resulted in the martyrdom of 14 courageous soldiers.
The ISPR further declared that a comprehensive sanitization operation is underway in the region, emphasizing that the perpetrators behind this abhorrent act will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.
The ISPR unequivocally asserted, “Security forces of Pakistan are steadfastly committed to eradicating the scourge of terrorism from the nation, and the unwavering determination of our brave soldiers is only reinforced by such sacrifices.”
Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani vehemently condemned the heinous attack, characterizing such acts as morally reprehensible. He expressed heartfelt condolences and extended prayers to the families of the martyred and the injured. Jalani affirmed Pakistan’s unwavering resolve against terrorists in a social media post.
The interim Chief Minister of Balochistan, Ali Mardan Khan Domki, also denounced the attack as a cowardly act. In a formal statement, he paid tribute to the fallen soldiers and conveyed his condolences to their bereaved families. Domki viewed these acts of terrorism as a sinister conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the hard-won peace in the province and underscored that such disruptions would not be permitted.
Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, decried the ambush as a cowardly attack on soldiers and saluted the martyred troops, affirming the nation’s unwavering commitment to continue the battle against terrorism until every militant is vanquished.
PPP’s Sherry Rehman extended her condolences to the families of the martyrs and the injured, reflecting on the significant sacrifices made and pledging that these sacrifices would not be forgotten.
This incident transpired just hours after a bomb blast targeting police claimed five lives and left over 20 individuals injured in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan.
In recent months, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist activities, particularly in the regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. This escalation followed the cessation of the ceasefire between the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and the government in November of the previous year.
In July, Balochistan bore witness to the martyrdom of 12 Pakistan Army soldiers in separate military operations conducted in the Zhob and Sui areas.
A report from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) in September revealed that the number of militant attacks in August marked the highest monthly tally in almost nine years. The report documented 99 attacks throughout the country, a record high since November 2014.
