QUETTA:
At least 11 people, including two paramilitary soldiers, were martyred on Tuesday when a suicidal bomb explosion crossed the Pelhin Stop area near the headquarters of the Borders Corps (FC) in Quetta, unleashing a weapon bar in which the security forces killed six terrorists, officials said.
The explosion occurred when the security forces launched an intelligence-based operation (IBO) against Fitna al-Hindustan in the Zehri area of the Khuzdar district, killing seven Indian proxy terrorists and wounding at least another 10, according to Fuentes.
Security officials said the terrorists tried to assault the headquarters of the FC in the capital of Baluchistan. One of them detonated near a control point. In fire exchange, security forces killed six terrorists and recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition.
“The suicide terrorist, who travels in a Suzuki truck, detonated the device, while [at least] Five of his accomplices tried to enter the complex later, “said a senior local government official to the AFP.” In fire exchange, all attackers were killed, “said the official.
“His [security forces’] The timely response avoided a major tragedy, “said another official.” A large cache of weapons and ammunition also recovered from the terrorists, “he added. The officials revealed that the pump elimination equipment (BDS) confirmed that 30 to 40 kilos of explosives were used in the explosion.
CCTV images shared with the media showed an open back truck that became the entrance of the FC headquarters before the explosion. Eye witnesses described the explosion as “so intense” that it was heard throughout the city, causing panic among residents such as fire and smoke out of the site.
Rescue officials said that a local passenger bus was among the objectives, achieved by suicidal bombing, leaving travelers and pedestrians near serious injuries. In addition to the 11 deaths, almost three other doctors suffered wounds, according to Baluchistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar.
Many of the injured were transferred to the Quetta of the Civil Hospital, where several remain in critical condition, according to doctors. Kakar said he had declared an emergency in all hospitals in the city to guarantee rapid medical treatment for injured.
The explosion caused significant damage to nearby buildings, destroying windows and doors. The security forces cordoned off the area shortly after the incident and launched an exhaustive investigation. Until now, no group has assumed the responsibility of the attack.
Separately, according to Fuentes, the security forces carried out an operation after intelligence reports on the growing terrorist activity of Fitna al-Hindustan in the Khuzdar area of Zehri. Until now, seven terrorists have been killed and another 10 injured as a result of the operation, they said.
During the IBO, the sources continued, the forces also deactivated an improvised explosive device (FDI) planted by the terrorists in the main bridge of Badokasht. The forces also recovered IED ready to use, transmitters, automatic American manufacturing weapons, grenades, ammunition and motorcycles, they added.
The Indian terrorist attack in Quetta was widely condemned by national leadership, as well as international partners. President Asif Zardari, who is in the United Arab Emirates (EAU), the interim president Yousuf Raza Gilani, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif firmly condemned the attack.
In their separate messages, they emphasized that such cowardly attacks could not weaken the national resolution to eradicate the threat of terrorism of the country. They also praised the timely action of security forces and killed Indian proxy terrorists.
President Zardari blamed the Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij for the attack. “The growing frustration of anti-Pakistan forces is a reflection of their failure and inevitable fall,” said Zardari, reaffirming the nation’s determination to frustrate the designs backed by India.
The interim president Gilani also denounced the bombing, qualifying it as a “brutal and cowardly act” and a direct assault on the peace of the country. He warned that the terrorists, the facilitators and “called Khawarij”, particularly those backed by India, would fulfill a humiliating end.
Prime Minister Shehbaz praised security forces for killing terrorists from Fitna al-Hindustan. “The government, security forces and the entire nation are determined to eradicate terrorism and Fitna al-Hindustan of the country,” he said.
Contenting the incident, Baluchistan’s prime minister, Sarfaraz Bugti, promised the victims. He said that the people of Baluchistan, together with the government and security forces, joined against terrorists who are attacking civilians in the directives of their “teachers.”
The attack also caused a strong condemnation of the international community. The United States extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a rapid recovery. “We sympathized with Pakistan in his fight against terrorism,” said the United States statement, promising continuous support for peace and stability in Baluchistan and throughout the country.
The Russian embassy also condemned the incident, urging the need to combat terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations.” In a statement, he expressed the hope that those behind the attack were identified and taken before justice, while transmitting condolences and desires for recovery to the injured.
(With the contribution of our Islamabad Khalid Mehmood & Agencies correspondent)
