Quetta: Armed attack overpowers two FC posts, 13 soldiers killed
Armed fighters launched a coordinated assault on two Frontier Corps (FC) posts near Quetta on Thursday evening. The attackers managed to overrun the military installations, seizing weapons and ammunition, and subsequently set the posts on fire. The incident marked a significant escalation in the ongoing violence in the region, with sources reporting heavy clashes during the attack.
The attacks took place in the Wali Thangi area within Zarghoon Ghar, as well as at Spin Karez on the outskirts of Quetta. Witnesses and local sources indicated that a large number of fighters arrived simultaneously at both locations, initiating intense fighting with the security personnel stationed there.
Heavy gunfire and explosions echoed through the area for an extended period, as the attackers engaged in fierce clashes with the soldiers. After several hours of fighting, the fighters succeeded in gaining control of both posts, looting weapons, ammunition, and other military equipment from the sites.
Following the takeover, the armed assailants set both military installations ablaze, causing destruction to the structures and equipment. The violence resulted in the loss of life and injuries among the Pakistani personnel present at the posts, heightening concerns over security in the region.
Sources reported that at least 13 Pakistani personnel were killed in the attacks, including some who were injured during the firefight. However, authorities confirmed a lower death toll, identifying four of the fallen as Naib Subedar Awwal Khan, Naik Noor Bakhsh, Sepoy Samiullah, and Sepoy Rafiq. The identities of the remaining casualties have not been disclosed.
Officials stated that three personnel were still missing following the assault. While no group had claimed responsibility at the time of reporting, Baloch armed groups, particularly the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), have previously claimed similar attacks in Wali Thangi and surrounding areas. The incident underscores the persistent security challenges faced by Pakistani forces in Balochistan.
