Terror attacks ‘thwarted’ as multiple rocket explosions shake Mach

QUETTA: The Mach city echoed with explosions and plunged into darkness after unidentified persons fired several rockets from mountains, followed by heavy gunfire, on Monday night.

People were trapped in their homes due to explosions and firing, while firing also started in Kolpur and Gokhart Bibi Nani areas. According to security sources, unidentified persons fired 15 rockets from the mountains at 9:30pm in the Mach area of Kuchi Bolan.

Two rockets fell onto Mach Jail Colony, one landed in the Levies police station, four rained into the FC headquarters and eight rockets landed in the city and surrounding areas. As the rockets exploded with strong bangs and heavy firing started, the city plunged into darkness, and soon the market closed.

The explosions were so loud that the windowpanes of many houses were broken. According to sources, the administration blocked all kinds of traffic in Dharar and Kolpur. The sound of explosions and firing continued to be heard till late night in Gokhart Bibi Nani and Kolpur.

Balochistan’s interim information minister Jan Achakzai said security forces “successfully thwarted three coordinated attacks” carried out by terrorists in the Mach area on Monday night.

In a post on social media platform X, he said the terrorists were affiliated with the Aslam Acho group. “Fortunately, no damage was inflicted on any installations, and there were no casualties among our security forces.”

Achakzai further said the terrorists retreated and were being chased by security forces. “We remain hopeful that all threats will be eliminated before dawn, by the grace of God.”