QUETTA: Six suspected terrorists belonging to the banned Baloch National Army (BNA) were killed in a heavy exchange of fire with security forces during an operation in Sibi.

A soldier was martyred and two others were injured in the gunfight, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday.

The ISPR said that based on information about the presence of terrorists in the Nagao Mountains near Sibi, the security forces launched an operation to apprehend them.

When troops started the clearance operation, the terrorists fleeing their hideout opened fire. Security forces returned the fire and in the ensuing gun battle six terrorists belonging to the BNA were killed. Three of them were identified as Naseebullah Bangulzai alias Jahangir, Pir Jan and Rakai Kalhoi.

“These terrorists were involved in recent security incidents in Sibi and surroundings and were also linked to Jan 20 blast in Anarkali, Lahore, ” the ISPR said. Arms and ammunition were also recovered, it said.

During the operation, Sepoy Nisar embraced martyrdom and two other soldiers suffered injuries.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2022