QUETTA: Four terrorists were killed as security forces thwarted an attack on a naval base in Turbat last night, the military said on Tuesday.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that a soldier of Frontier Corps South was martyred during the heavy gun battle that continued till the early hours of Tuesday.
The armed militants of a banned outfit launched the attack on Monday night, making an attempt to barge into the naval base.
The ISPR said the militants attempted to attack Pakistan Naval Base, PNS Siddique, in Turbat, which was thwarted due to the swift and effective response by the troops ensuring the safety and security of personnel and assets.
It said security forces in the vicinity were immediately mobilised to support the naval troops. Police and Levies contingents also rushed to the airport site and took part in the operation launched by the security forces.
FC soldier martyred during heavy gun battle; militants attack security installation in Noshki
“Synergetic & effective response by the armed forces enabled the killing of all the four terrorists involved in the attack in the ensuing joint clearance operation,” the ISPR said. “However, during intense fire exchange, Sepoy Noman Fareed (age 24 years, resident of Muzaffargarh) of Frontier Corps Balochistan, having fought gallantly, embraced Shahadat.”
Officials said the armed militants hurled over a dozen hand grenades at the gate of the civilian airport area and used heavy automatic weapons for attacking the troops. However, they said, the troops and other forces guarding the naval air base were at high alert and thwarted the attack.
“Sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area. Pakistan armed forces remain committed to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country at all costs,” the ISPR said.
Sources said security forces launched a search and clearance operation after eliminating the four attackers.
Grenade, gun attack
A complex of a security agency in the Noshki area came under gun and grenade attack.
Officials said after hurling two grenades, the attackers opened indiscriminate fire in the area. The security forces immediately returned fire, forcing the attackers to escape from the site.
“In the grenade attack and firing, no human loss occurred,” police said.
Security forces launched a search operation to arrest the attackers. However, no one has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.
Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2024
