6 terrorists killed in Mach after security forces conduct operation

• Information minister says “more details of terrorists coming”.
• Security sources say BLA claimed responsibility for Mach attack.
• Experts say India spreading unrest via RAW-linked social media accounts.

At least six terrorists have been eliminated in Mach during an operation conducted by security forces, Caretaker Balochistan Minister for Information Jan Achakzai said on Tuesday.

The development came hours after the city was attacked by terrorists, two of which, according to the minister, have been identified as Doda Baloch and Pardan Baloch.

Achakzai announced the development on X, formerly Twitter, stating that pictures and more details regarding the terrorists are "coming".

Mach echoed with explosions and plunged into darkness after terrorists fired several rockets from mountains, followed by heavy gunfire, late Monday night.

People were trapped in their homes due to explosions and firing, while gunshots also started in Kolpur and Gokhart Bibi Nani areas. According to security sources, unidentified persons fired 15 rockets from the mountains at 9:30pm in the Mach area of Kachhi Bolan.

Two rockets fell onto Mach Jail Colony, one landed in the Levies police station, four rained into the FC headquarters and eight rockets landed in the city and surrounding areas. As the rockets exploded with strong bangs and heavy firing, the city plunged into darkness, and soon the market closed.

'RAW-linked accounts knew about attack'

According to security sources, evidence of the Indian intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing's (RAW) involvement in the failed terrorist attack in Mach has been found.

"Indian social media accounts were already aware of the attack," the sources said, adding that the RAW-linked accounts launched a campaign on social media during the attack.

Accounts linked to the Indian intelligence agency RAW, they added, first reported the attack from their accounts.

The sources added that the Balochistan Liberation Army, a banned militant organisation, has claimed responsibility for the attack in Mach.

Meanwhile, the arrested Indian killers had killed Shahid Latif in Sialkot and Muhammad Riaz in Rawlakot, the sources added.

"Indian agents Ashok Kumar Anand and Yogesh Kumar were involved in the murder of Shahid Latif and Riaz," said the sources.

"India is spreading unrest in Pakistan with RAW-linked social media accounts," experts told Geo News.

Meanwhile, they also maintained that the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada last year is a link in this chain.

"India engages in continuous violations of international norms. The United Nations should take strict action against India's open terrorism," the added.

In a statement released earlier today, the minister informed about the terrorist attacks successfully thwarted by security forces. He added that neither the security forces personnel suffered any casualties nor any installation was damaged in the attacks.

Achakzai said the terrorists retreated when the security forces began the operation to eliminate them.

The courage and determination of the armed forces to protect the lives of the people is admirable, the minister said, lauding the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps for thwarting the terrorist attack.

Balochistan CM praises 'prompt, careful response' by security forces

Balochistan Caretaker Chief Minister Ali Mardan Domki condemned the terrorist attacks and activities in and around the Mach city.

The chief minister instructed the provincial home department to utilise the available resources for the restoration of peace.

"Security agencies are engaged in the protection of the public and the maintenance of peace through coordination. The forces are taking precautionary measures to protect the local population from harm," he said.

CM Domki added that the forces thwarted the terrorist activities with prompt and careful response, while the administration, FC and police are taking steps to clear the area.

Quetta's trauma centre treats injured

Meanwhile, at least 13 injured due to firing in Mach and Kolpur were shifted to the trauma centre in Quetta, the health facility's managing director told Geo News.

"All the injured are being provided with the best medical facilities," he added.