9 Policemen Martyred, 15 Militants Killed in Ziarat Terror Attack During Mangi Dam Checkpost Assault
9 Policemen Martyred, 15 Militants Killed in Ziarat Terror Attack
Nine police personnel, including senior officers, were martyred after terrorists attacked a security checkpost guarding the Mangi Dam project in Ziarat, Balochistan. Security forces later killed 15 militants during a joint clearance operation.
Nine Policemen Martyred in Terrorist Attack on Mangi Dam Security Checkpost
A devastating terrorist attack on a police checkpost guarding the Mangi Dam project in Balochistan’s Ziarat district claimed the lives of nine police personnel, including senior officers, after an intense overnight gun battle. Security forces later launched a large-scale joint clearance operation, killing 15 militants, according to provincial authorities.
The attack took place late Monday night in the Kuchh Maangi Phase III area, where terrorists targeted the security post responsible for protecting the strategically important dam project. The exchange of gunfire continued for several hours before the area was secured by law enforcement agencies.
Authorities Confirm Casualties and Missing Personnel
Ziarat Deputy Commissioner Abdul Qudoos Achakzai confirmed that the incident was a terrorist attack and stated that nine policemen, including two senior officers, embraced martyrdom while defending the checkpost.
He added that the whereabouts of five police personnel were initially unknown following the attack, prompting authorities to dispatch additional security forces to the area for search and rescue operations.
According to the deputy commissioner, the attack specifically targeted the police post assigned to protect the Mangi Dam development project, highlighting the continued security challenges faced by infrastructure projects in Balochistan.
Joint Security Operation Eliminates 15 Militants
Following the attack, security forces launched a coordinated clearance operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
According to Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind, the operation included personnel from:
- Frontier Corps (FC)
- Balochistan Police
- Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD)
- Special Operations Wing (SOW)
- Anti-Terrorist Force (ATF)
Provincial officials said the operation successfully eliminated 15 militants after intense fighting.
Shahid Rind stated that the operation demonstrated the state’s determination to respond decisively to terrorist attacks and maintain peace across the province.
Senior Police Officers Among the Martyrs
Officials confirmed that several senior police personnel lost their lives during the attack.
Among those martyred were:
- SHO Mangi Police Station
- SHO Kawas Police Station
- ATF In-charge Head Constable Saifullah
Other police officers and personnel performing security duties
Authorities said the bodies of the fallen officers were shifted to District Headquarters Hospital Ziarat for legal formalities and post-mortem examinations.
Police Personnel Successfully Rescued
During the operation, DSP Ghulam Sarwar, along with eight police personnel, safely reached Kach Police Station after navigating difficult mountainous terrain.
Officials also confirmed that Constable Rizwan was recovered unharmed during the rescue operation.
Search efforts continued for the remaining missing personnel as security forces maintained control of the affected area.
Government Reaffirms Commitment Against Terrorism
Following the successful clearance operation, Shahid Rind said the provincial government remained committed to eliminating terrorism from Balochistan.
He stated that intelligence-based operations would continue across the province and emphasized that there would be no compromise on peace, stability, or the protection of citizens.
The spokesperson also paid tribute to the martyred police officers, saying their sacrifices would not be forgotten and that the provincial government would continue supporting their families.
Previous Attacks Highlight Ongoing Security Challenges
The Ziarat attack is the latest in a series of terrorist incidents targeting police personnel in Balochistan.
Last month, unidentified armed men attacked police installations in Qila Abdullah, Pishin, and Duki districts, killing one policeman and injuring two others.
Earlier in April, a police head constable was martyred during an attack on a police checkpost in the Huramzai area of Pishin district.
Despite these incidents, recent data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) indicated an overall decline in anti-state violence during June.
According to the institute, Balochistan recorded 49 terrorist attacks in June compared to 71 attacks in May, representing a 31 percent decrease in reported incidents.
President, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Condemn Attack
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack on the police checkpost.
In separate statements, the country’s leadership paid tribute to the police personnel who lost their lives while performing their duties and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
President Zardari praised the courage and dedication of the fallen officers and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing counter-terrorism operations aimed at ensuring peace and stability.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also commended the security forces for the successful clearance operation in which 15 militants were killed. He stated that those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice and reiterated the government’s resolve to continue operations against terrorism.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi likewise condemned the attack, praised the police and security forces for their response, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism. He also described the attackers as “Indian-sponsored militants,” reflecting the government’s stated position.
Investigation Continues
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack while search operations remain ongoing in the surrounding mountainous region.
Security forces have increased their presence across sensitive areas of Ziarat as intelligence-based operations continue to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of critical infrastructure projects in Balochistan.
The deadly attack on the Mangi Dam security checkpost marks one of the most serious terrorist incidents in Balochistan in recent months. While the loss of nine police personnel underscores the ongoing security challenges in the province, officials say the successful elimination of 15 militants during the subsequent clearance operation demonstrates the continued response of Pakistan’s security forces against militant threats. Authorities have pledged to pursue those responsible and maintain intensified security operations across the region.
