9 Police Officers Killed in Terrorist Attack in Ziarat as Security Operation Continues

Nine police officers lost their lives after a terrorist launched a deadly attack on security personnel in Ziarat. It is in the area of Kach Mangi Phase Three, Balochistan’s Ziarat district, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The attack marks another major security incident in Balochistan, where violence has increased over the past several days. Authorities have launched a large-scale operation in the affected area while public anger continues to grow following recent kidnappings.

According to the Deputy Commissioner of Ziarat, all nine police officers embraced martyrdom during the attack. Their bodies were shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Ziarat after the incident.

Police officials said heavy gunfire between terrorists and security personnel began late Monday night and continued for several hours. The officers stayed at their positions throughout the night and fought back against the attackers before losing their lives.

Officials have not yet released further details about the attackers or whether any militants were killed during the exchange of fire. Security agencies have started investigations while search operations continue in the surrounding areas.

Second Major Terrorist Attack in 72 Hours

The Ziarat terrorist attack is the second major incident reported in Balochistan within the last 72 hours.

Earlier, armed militants attacked the Hanna Urak area near Quetta. During that assault, local tribesmen resisted the attackers and fought alongside security forces. Four local residents were killed while seven people, including police personnel, were abducted by the attackers.

The latest attack has raised fresh concerns about the security situation across the province, where authorities continue efforts to track down militant groups responsible for recent violence.

Protests Continue Over Kidnappings

Public protests linked to the earlier kidnapping incident are still ongoing.

Residents have been staging a sit-in on Airport Road, demanding the safe recovery of the abducted individuals. Demonstrators say the kidnapped workers and security personnel had been deployed at an under-construction water tank near the Mangi Dam project when unidentified armed men arrived and forcibly took them away.

According to local protesters, five of the abducted people managed to escape from their captors. However, several others remain missing.

Police have launched a large search and rescue operation to locate the remaining kidnapped individuals. Security forces continue to conduct raids in different areas as part of the ongoing operation.

Highway Blocked as Public Anger Grows

The recent attacks have triggered widespread anger among local communities.

In the Ziarat Cross area of Pishin district, residents blocked the national highway in protest. Demonstrators demanded the immediate and safe recovery of all kidnapped people and called on the government to strengthen security measures across the province.

The road blockade caused disruption to traffic as protesters insisted they would continue their demonstration until authorities made meaningful progress in recovering those still missing.

Local leaders said people are deeply concerned about the worsening security situation and want stronger action against terrorist groups operating in the region.

Security Forces Continue Operations

Following the deadly attack in Kach Mangi Phase Three, security forces have increased patrols and launched operations in nearby areas to trace those responsible.

Authorities have not announced any arrests so far, but officials say efforts are underway to identify and capture the attackers. Investigations into both the Ziarat attack and the earlier Hanna Urak incident are continuing.

The back-to-back attacks have once again highlighted the security challenges facing Balochistan, where militant violence has claimed the lives of both security personnel and civilians in recent years.

Government officials have expressed condolences to the families of the fallen police officers and praised their courage in defending their positions during the overnight gun battle.

As security operations continue, residents across the affected areas are hoping for the safe recovery of those still missing and stronger measures to prevent further attacks.