Seven ‘terrorists’ killed in Ziarat

QUETTA: Security forces killed seven suspected terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in Choteer area of Ziarat district in Balochistan on Tuesday.

According to officials, following receipt of intelligence information about the presence of “terrorists”, the security forces conducted targeted operations between Choteer and Sanjavi area of Ziarat district between the night of Monday and Tuesday.

Upon seeing the raiding personnel, the armed men hiding in the area opened fire, which was promptly retaliated by security forces. “Heavy exchange of fire continued for two hours during which hand grenades were also used by the armed militants,” officials said, adding seven bodies were found in the area after cessation of the fire.

Deputy Commissioner (Ziarat) Zaka Ullah Durrani confirmed the killing of seven terrorists, adding the levies force shifted the bodies to DHQ Ziarat.

He said the people of the area had blocked Sanjavi-Ziarat road in protest against the presence of armed militants and suspended all kinds of traffic between Sanjavi and Ziarat.

The deputy commissioner, however, added he later held negotiations with the protesters, which remained successful and the traffic was restored in the afternoon.