On Tuesday, Interim Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai announced that security forces successfully thwarted three coordinated terror attacks in Mach town, located 70km from the provincial capital.
The attacks, carried out by militants using rockets and sophisticated weapons, were initially attributed to the Aslam Acho group by Achakzai but were later claimed by the Majeed Brigade of the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
Security forces responded promptly, engaging in a prolonged gun battle with the terrorists. Achakzai took to social media, sharing an “Updated missing persons list,” reiterating his earlier stance that missing persons are affiliated with the BLA.
Commending the swift action of the Pakistan Army and Frontier Constabulary Balochistan, Achakzai stated that five BLA terrorists were neutralized, ensuring the safety of citizens. He expressed appreciation for the courage and dedication of the armed forces.
In a separate post, Achakzai shared a picture of one of the deceased militants, stating, “After the clearance operation in Mach, Balochistan, a dead body of a terrorist recovered. There are many more. So far reports, five terrorists were neutralized.”
According to police reports, at least 15 rockets were fired from nearby mountains, landing and exploding in different areas of Mach town. Following the rocket attacks, terrorists targeted a security forces camp near the central jail and entered the Mach railway station. While reports indicated the martyrdom of a railway policeman and injuries to a truck driver, no official casualty figures were confirmed.
Mach town experienced a power outage, and traffic on the Quetta-Sibi Highway was suspended. Achakzai clarified that no damage was reported to installations, and there were no casualties among security forces.
Balochistan Inspector General Prisons Shuja Kasi confirmed that rockets hit the walls of the residential colony of the Mach jail, but there were no reported casualties. The jail superintendent refuted social media reports suggesting damage to the prison, emphasizing that Mach Jail and its prisoners were safe.
Additionally, armed men attacked a police station in the Gokrt area, but levies and security forces swiftly responded, thwarting the assault. A truck driver, Abdul Malik Shahwani, sustained bullet injuries and was taken to the district hospital Dhadar.
