QUETTA / GWADAR: Two security personnel were martyred and another was injured during an operation against armed militants in the Jambarri area of Mach, Bolan district, officials said on Sunday.

According to reports, armed men attempted to block the Quetta-Sibi Highway, stop vehicles.

Security forces swiftly responded and launched an operation against the group. During the clashes, the militants suffered casualties, while two Frontier Corps (FC) soldiers embraced martyrdom and another sustained injuries.

The casualties occurred last night when security forces took action against armed militants and pursued those attempting to escape, said Kachhi SSP Rana Muhammad Dilawar. He added that the operation was still ongoing, with security forces intensifying efforts to track down remaining militants.

Three barbers from Sindh shot dead in Panjgur

He said there were reports of militant casualties, but the exact number remains unconfirmed. Following the clashes and operation, security has been tightened across Bolan and other areas of Kachhi district.

“Additional FC, police and Levies personnel have been deployed on the Quetta-Sibi Highway to ensure smooth traffic flow and the safety of travellers,” the SSP said.

Barbers shot dead

In a separate incident, three barbers from Sindh were shot dead by unidentified armed men in the Gowargo area of Panjgur district, Makran division, on Sunday night.

According to police, the gunmen stormed a barber shop in the small village, opened fire indiscriminately and killed three men sitting inside.

“All three victims died on the spot after sustaining multiple bullet wounds,” a police officer said, adding that the assailants, who were riding motorcycles, fled the scene immediately after the attack.

The bodies were shifted to the district hospital in Panjgur for medico-legal formalities before being sent to their native towns in Sindh.

The deceased have been identified as Abdul Sattar and Zubair Ahmed (both residents of Mirpurkhas) and Muhammad Zaman (resident of Jacobabad).

The victims had been running a barber shop in Gowargo for several years.

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation, terming the incident a targeted killing. However, no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2025