At least seven paramilitary soldiers of Pakistan were killed in a terrorist attack on a check post in Balochistan, southwestern Pakistan, the military said in a statement on Sunday.
The raid occurred late Saturday night in the Harnai district of Balochistan province, which is a key route to the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
“Terrorist fire raid on Frontier Corps Balochistan post in Sharig, Harnai, Balochistan late last night. During the intense exchange of fire, seven brave soldiers embraced shahadat [martyrdom] while repulsing raiding terrorists,” it said in a statement.
Security forces cordoned off the area and launched a “large-scale” search and clearance operation to apprehend the attackers. There was no immediate claim of responsibility but Baloch separatists frequently carry out attacks in the mineral-rich province.
Terrorists fire raid on Frontier Corps Balochistan post in Sharig, Harnai, Balochistan late last night. During intense exchange of fire, 7 brave soldiers embraced shahadat while repulsing raiding terrorists. Area has been cordoned off and escape routes have been blocked (1/3)
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 27, 2020
…to apprehend fleeing miscreants. A large scale search and clearance operation is in progress. Such cowardly acts by inimical elements backed by anti state forces will not be allowed to sabotage hard earned peace and prosperity in Balochistan. (2/3)
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 27, 2020
…Security Forces are determined to thwart their nefarious designs at all costs. (3/3)
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 27, 2020
In October, a gun and rocket attack targeting a paramilitary escort in the town of Ormara killed seven soldiers and seven private security guards.
Militants, which Islamabad accuses have backing from New Delhi, have also targeted the Chinese consulate and Pakistan Stock Exchange buildings in Karachi in the recent past.
CPEC, the $64 billion flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, aims to connect China’s strategic northwestern Xinxiang province to the Gwadar seaport through a network of roads, railways and pipelines to transport cargo, oil, and gas.
