Balochistan Operations: Major Omer Minhas and Havildar Adnan Martyred in Quadcopter Attack as Forces Kill 8 Terrorists, Including a Suicide Bomber

Rawalpindi, The Gulf Observer: Pakistan’s security forces killed eight terrorists, including a suicide bomber, in ongoing Balochistan operations. The success came at a heavy price. A young army major and a havildar were martyred when militants attacked patrolling military vehicles with armed quadcopters, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.

According to the military’s media wing, the armed forces have been carrying out multiple intelligence-based operations (IBOs) since Friday around Kolpur, Kardagap and Nushki. These include area domination and patrolling of the Quetta–Taftan National Highway (N-40), to keep the key route safe for local traffic and keep the operations going.

Eight Terrorists Killed in Kolpur, Including a Suicide Bomber

The ISPR said that on the night between Friday and Saturday, security forces “successfully neutralised eight Indian-sponsored terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan (FAH), including a suicide bomber.” It added that a large cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered in Kolpur.

Quadcopter Attack Martyrs Major Omer Minhas Nasir and Havildar Muhammad Adnan Khan

On Saturday, FAH terrorists attacked patrolling military vehicles with armed quadcopters. Major Omer Minhas Nasir, a resident of Chakwal district, and Havildar Muhammad Adnan Khan, a resident of Kotli Sattian, were martyred in the attack.

“This cowardly act has not shaken the resolve of the security forces,” the ISPR said. It vowed that “the tempo of operations will be maintained and IBOs will continue with the same vigour to secure the local population and eliminate the menace of terrorism.”

“Clearance operations in these areas will continue until the threat is completely neutralised,” the statement added.

Drones and IEDs: A New Front in the Balochistan Operations

The ISPR said FAH is actively trying to use drones and other technical means, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), to attack innocent civilians and security forces. It said the aim is to undermine the government’s efforts to maintain peace and normalcy in the area, and that these efforts are “backed by India and other hostile intelligence agencies.”

The military said that “India continues to give FAH full financial support and supply it with the latest gadgetry.” It added that security forces “are fully alive to this evolving threat and will deny the terrorists any space, whatever means they employ.”

Azm-e-Istehkam to Continue at Full Pace

The ISPR reaffirmed that the “relentless counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace.”

“Security forces and law enforcement agencies remain determined to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country,” it said. “The sacrifices of our martyrs further strengthen this resolve.”

President Zardari: Martyrs’ Sacrifices a Source of Pride for the Nation

President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the fallen soldiers. “The sacrifices of Pakistan’s officers and soldiers in the war against terrorism, which continues with foreign patronage, are a source of pride for the entire nation,” he said. “The martyrs’ sacrifices further strengthen the nation’s resolve to completely eradicate terrorism. Terrorists’ cowardly attacks cannot demoralise our security institutions.”

PM Shehbaz Sharif: Enemy’s Every Vile Plan Will Be Reduced to Dust

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for killing the eight terrorists and paid tribute to the martyrs. “The entire nation salutes the everlasting sacrifices of its martyrs,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.

The premier said that “the enemies are making a despicable attempt to sabotage the peace of the region by targeting innocent citizens and security personnel; however, our armed forces fully possess the capability to reduce every vile plan of the enemy to dust.”

PM Shehbaz said the operations would continue “with full force until the complete eradication of terrorism carried out under foreign sponsorship.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also offered condolences on the martyrdom of the two soldiers.

As the Balochistan operations go on, the nation mourns Major Omer Minhas Nasir and Havildar Muhammad Adnan Khan. Their sacrifice is a reminder of what Pakistan’s armed forces are paying to protect the country.