RAWALPINDI: An Army soldier was martyred and five terrorists belonging to Balochistan Liberation Front (BLA) were killed in an operation in Ziarat area of Balochistan, ISPR said ISPR.
According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, ISPR, the operation was launched to recover Umer Javed, a cousin of Lietenant-Colonel Laiq Baig Mirza who was martyred by the terrorists when they were travelling from Ziarat to Quetta a few days ago.
During the ongoing recovery operation in Ziarat area, on night between July 14 and 15 (Thursday and Friday) a hideout of terrorists was identified and cleared by the security forces near Khost in Khalifat mountains. Once encircled, the terrorists opened fire on the closing-in Army troops resulting in Shahadat (martyrdom) of Havildar Khan Muhammad.
During follow-up clearance operation, the ISPR statement said five terrorists belonging to proscribed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) were killed in ensuing heavy exchange of fire. The sanitization operation, however, will continue in the area to apprehend remaining perpetrators and recover Mr Omer Javed.
A few days ago, a group of 10-12 terrorists had abducted Lieutenant-Colonel Laiq Baig Mirza who was serving in DHA Quetta and his cousin Mr Umer Javed, when they were returning to Quetta near Warchoom, Ziarat, after having visited Quaid’s residency.
On receipt of information, Army Quick Reaction Forces were immediately dispatched to chase fleeing terrorists who traced them moving to their hideouts in general area Mangi Dam. On sensing their possible encirclement, terrorists shot Lieutenant Colonel Laiq Baig Mirza.