• Mop-up operations continue in Nushki, Awaran and Washuk
• Police chief pays tribute to martyred personnel
• China condemns attacks
QUETTA: The death toll of terrorists killed in ongoing clearance operations across Balochistan has risen to 197, as security forces continue mop-up actions in Nushki district and other parts of the province, officials said on Tuesday.
The operations were launched following a series of coordinated terrorist attacks carried out across the province on Saturday.
In Nushki, armed assailants targeted multiple government installations, including a police station, judicial complex, police lines, deputy commissioner’s office and a Frontier Corps camp. Several public buildings were also set ablaze during the assaults.
Although the town has now been cleared and markets reopened after three days, security forces are continuing search and clearance operations in the surrounding mountainous areas, officials told Dawn.
District police sources said at least four additional terrorists were killed during the latest clearance actions. They also confirmed that the Counter Terrorism Department suffered casualties during the weekend attacks, though no official details regarding the number or identities of the martyred personnel were released.
Reports of militant activity were also received from Awaran district, but no casualties were immediately confirmed.
Meanwhile, security forces are conducting operations in Washuk, where militants reportedly torched a police station and a Nadra office during attacks over the weekend.
IGP pays tribute
Separately, Inspector General of Police Mohammad Tahir said the Balochistan police had made unprecedented sacrifices to restore peace and protect lives in the province, with numerous officers and personnel embracing martyrdom while confronting terrorism.
Paying tribute to the fallen policemen, the IGP stressed that lasting peace in Balochistan could only be achieved through close coordination between the public and security agencies, emphasising that the police and the people stood united against terrorism.
He made these remarks during visits to several police facilities, including Sariab Police Station, New Sariab Police Station, the Police Training College, Smart Police Station, Manzoor Tareen Shaheed Police Station and Khaliq Shaheed Police Station, where he reviewed security arrangements and operational performance.
CTD DIG Aitzaz Goraya, Quetta SSP Mohammad Asif Khan and other senior officers accompanied him.
Later, during a visit to the Anti-Terrorism Force headquarters, the IGP was briefed on operational challenges. Commending the force’s morale, professionalism and dedication, he described the role of the Balochistan police in counterterrorism efforts as highly commendable.
Reaffirming his resolve, IGP Tahir said the police remained fully prepared to meet all challenges and were utilising all available resources to maintain law and order. He added that timely action against anti-state elements would continue, and efforts were underway to further enhance police capacity and provide modern equipment.
China condemns attacks
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, reiterating Beijing’s firm support for Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.
Speaking at a regular press briefing on Tuesday, Lin expressed condolences for the victims. “We mourn for the lives lost, and our hearts go out to the injured and those who lost their loved ones,” he said.
“China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and will, as always, firmly support Pakistan in combatting terrorism, maintaining social stability and safeguarding the safety of the people,” he added.
A day earlier, the Chinese embassy in Pakistan had also condemned the “multiple terrorist attacks” in Balochistan, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life and extending sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured in a post on X.