Pakistan: Two Soldiers and Eight Militants Killed in Drone Attack in Balochistan Province
Two soldiers and eight militants were killed in a drone attack in Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Islamabad, Nov 14 (KUNA) -- The Pakistani military announced on Saturday the killing of two of its soldiers and eight militants in attacks by armed drones and ongoing security operations in Balochistan province in the southwest of the country.
In a statement issued by its media wing, the Pakistani military said that the armed forces are conducting multiple operations based on intelligence in the areas of Kulbur, Kardagab, and Nushki. These operations include establishing field control and patrolling the highway linking Quetta and Tafftan to ensure the security of local traffic and to continue operations.
The statement added that security forces neutralized eight militants, including a suicide bomber, and seized large quantities of weapons and ammunition in the Kulbur area of the province. It noted that militants responded on Saturday by targeting military vehicles conducting patrols using armed drones, resulting in the death of two soldiers, one of whom held the rank of major in the Pakistani army.
Affirming that the attack would not affect the resolve of security forces to continue their operations at the same pace and intensity to protect local populations and eliminate the threat of terrorism, the military clarified that search operations in the aforementioned areas would continue until the threat is completely neutralized.
The statement pointed out that militants backed by hostile intelligence agencies are attempting to use drones and other technological means, including improvised explosive devices, to target innocent civilians and security forces, and to undermine the efforts of the government and security forces aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The military emphasized the determination of security forces and law enforcement agencies to eradicate externally supported terrorism in the country, affirming that the sacrifices of the martyrs strengthen this resolve.
Earlier on Saturday, at least 16 militants were killed, while two Pakistani army soldiers were also killed during ongoing security operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in the north of the country.
These operations are part of a series of security measures carried out by the military in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, which have resulted in the killing of 74 militants since last week, as Pakistan witnesses an escalation in terrorist attacks, particularly in the two provinces bordering Afghanistan. (End) S.B.K / F.A.S
