By Syed Sardar Mohammad Khondai / ANI
QUETTA: Four passengers were martyred after unidentified armed men opened indiscriminate fire on a passenger coach in the Khad Kocha area of Mastung district, Balochistan, according to police sources.
The passenger coach came under attack in the suburban area of Khad Kocha, leaving four passengers dead at the scene and several others injured. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said security forces carried out intelligence-based clearance and targeted operations in the Surab and Mastung districts, killing 10 terrorists.
According to the ISPR, security forces effectively targeted terrorist hideouts, eliminating seven terrorists in Surab and three in Mastung. During the operation, two female suicide bombers linked to the banned outfit Fitna al-Hindustan were arrested along with a facilitator. A large cache of weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) was also recovered.
Sources said heavy exchanges of fire between security forces and armed militants continued in parts of Mastung, with authorities vowing to continue operations until all terrorists are eliminated.
Following the recent incidents, the Quetta-Karachi National Highway has been closed at several locations due to security concerns. The business community and political parties have expressed serious concern over the deteriorating law and order situation, urging the government to ensure the safety of highways, passengers and transporters across Balochistan. They said repeated attacks on public highways, including the burning of bowsers and other vehicles, have created widespread fear and require immediate action.
