QUETTA: Security forces foiled a coordinated militant attack on a customs check post at Ziarat Cross in Balochistan, killing at least 10 militants associated with Indian proxies- Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij- , security sources said on Tuesday.
The attack took place overnight between August 31 and September 1. Militants linked to the Fitna al-Hindustan, a term used for the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Fitna al-Khawarij, a term used for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), targeted the customs post, according to the sources. Security personnel stationed at the checkpost promptly reacted and resisted the assault.
Frontier Corps personnel and police were deployed to protect the customs facility. They resisted the attack and engaged the militants in a firefight and forced the attackers to flee.
At least 10 militants were killed in the exchange of fire, the sources said.
A customs official and six security personnel, including an officer, were wounded during the fighting.
Additional Frontier Corps quick-reaction forces reached the area after the attack. They launched a search operation and continued to pursue the fleeing militants.
A fire also broke out at a customs warehouse during the exchange of fire. The blaze was later brought under control.
The attack has raised concerns over the security of the customs post, which monitors non-customs-paid vehicles, drugs and other smuggled goods entering Pakistan from Afghanistan through the Spin Boldak-Chaman crossing.
Security sources said the operation against foreign-funded militants would continue across Balochistan.
Operation Radd-ul-Fitna III
The attack comes as security forces continue Operation Radd-ul-Fitna III, a counterterrorism campaign targeting militant networks in Balochistan.
The operation targets militants linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, referred to by Pakistani authorities as Fitna al-Khawarij, and the Baloch Liberation Army, referred to as Fitna al-Hindustan.
The campaign involves the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, police and intelligence agencies. Military helicopters have also been used in operations, according to security sources.
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The campaign includes intelligence-based operations and targeted raids across the province.
Security forces have intensified the operation to disrupt militant networks and prevent further attacks, the sources said.
