Pakistan says security forces prevented three “coordinated” attacks launched by terrorists in Mach tow in southwestern Balochistan.
Terrorists used rockets and sophisticated weapons to carry out the attacks on Monday which according to some reports killed at least one policeman and injured a truck driver. However, official reports did not confirm the casualties.
Security forces immediately responded to the attack, with ensuing gun battle between terrorists and security forces continuing for several hours.
Majeed Brigade of the Balochistan’s Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Balochistan’s caretaker Minister for Information Jan Achakzai had earlier attributed the attacks to the terrorists affiliated with the Aslam Acho group.
Achakzai said in a social media post that, “The terrorists have now retreated, and our security forces are currently in pursuit. We remain hopeful that all threats will be eliminated before dawn, by the grace of God.”
According to the police, at least fifteen rockets were fired from nearby mountains which exploded in different areas of Mach town.
Terrorists were also reported to have attacked a camp of security forces near the central jail and also entered the Mach railway station.
The Inspector General Prisons, Balochistan, Shuja Kasi confirmed that rockets hit the walls of the residential colony of the Mach jail.
“Mortar shells and rockets exploded close to the walls of the colony,” he said, adding that no report of any casualty was received so far.
He rejected social media reports that the gate and walls of the prison had been damaged. “Mach Jail and prisoners are completely safe and no rocket hit jail walls or premises,” he said.
Sources were also quoted as saying that terrorists attacked a police station in the Gokrt area which was immediately thwarted.
Pakistan is grappling with terrorist attacks in the border province.
On Monday, in a meeting Between Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Gen. Syed Asim Munir, the two sides joined hands on more coordination and intelligence sharing to fight terrorism as a common threat to both countries.
Amir-Abdollahian also told his counterpart Jalil Abbas Jilani that it is inevitable for the two countries to garner their strength to fight terrorism.
Jilani also said, “Terrorist threat is a common challenge, and Iran and Pakistan are determined to adopt a collective approach to deal with terrorists, and this can be achieved.”
For decades Pakistan has been caught in the grip of rising militancy and terrorist organizations thriving within its borders.
In Balochistan, the government has faced resistance from ethnic Baloch militants who strive for an independent Balochistan.
