COAS Vows Retaliation Against ‘Frenemies’ Following Troop Martyrdom
RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has pledged to track down and defeat the so-called “frenemies,” a day after 18 soldiers were martyred while preventing terrorists from setting up roadblocks in Balochistan’s Kalat district, according to a statement from the military on Saturday.
During the engagement and subsequent clearance operations, security forces neutralized 23 terrorists in the volatile province, where separatist violence has been fueled by external forces seeking to destabilize the region for strategic interests.
“Those serving as terrorist proxies for their foreign patrons—who hypocritically adopt double standards—are known to us,” the military’s media wing quoted General Munir as saying during his visit to Balochistan on Saturday.
The army chief received a detailed briefing on the security situation, with senior intelligence and security officials in attendance.
“Regardless of what these so-called ‘frenemies’ attempt, they will be defeated by the resilience of our proud nation and its armed forces, Inshallah. For the defense of our homeland, we will retaliate and ‘hunt you down’ whenever and wherever necessary,” he added.
This strong stance followed an ISPR statement detailing a “cowardly terrorist act orchestrated by hostile elements” in Kalat aimed at disturbing Balochistan’s stability.
“On the night between January 31 and February 1, terrorists attempted to establish roadblocks in the Mangocher area of Kalat district, targeting innocent civilians,” ISPR stated.
“Security forces and law enforcement agencies were swiftly mobilized, thwarting the terrorists’ nefarious plans and eliminating twelve militants, ensuring the safety of the local population,” the statement continued. “However, during the operation, 18 brave soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice, embracing martyrdom.”
Additional clearing operations are ongoing throughout the province. One such operation in Harnai on February 1 led to the elimination of 11 terrorists and the destruction of multiple hideouts.
“A total of 23 terrorists have been neutralized in different operations across Balochistan in the past 24 hours,” the statement confirmed. “Sanitization efforts will persist until all perpetrators and facilitators of these heinous acts are brought to justice.”
The army chief, alongside Balochistan’s governor and chief minister, attended the funeral prayers of the martyred soldiers and visited the injured at CMH Quetta. He lauded the courage and dedication of the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and law enforcement agencies in their fight against terrorism, according to ISPR.
General Munir reaffirmed the army’s commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of Balochistan’s people, pledging continued support to the provincial government in fostering peace, stability, and development in the region.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the loss of 18 security personnel, commending their sacrifice in thwarting terrorism. “Terrorist elements seek to disrupt peace in Balochistan,” he stated. “Security forces will persist in their operations to eliminate hostile elements.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the nation’s unity against terrorism. “Terrorists are enemies of Balochistan’s peace and progress. We will continue fighting terrorism until it is eradicated from our land,” he asserted.
He praised the security forces for their successful counterterrorism operations. “The enemies of peace in Balochistan will never succeed. Those spreading unrest in Balochistan are obstacles to its development and prosperity,” he added.
“The government remains committed to Balochistan’s development, and we commend the Pakistan Army’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the province’s people from terrorist threats,” the prime minister concluded.
