Fifteen killed in terrorist attacks in Pakistan's Balochistan

Heavily armed terrorists launched three coordinated attacks, including one on a high-security prison, in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province, leaving four law enforcement personnel and two civilians dead and triggering a gun-battle in which nine of the militants were also killed.

Heavily armed terrorists launched three coordinated attacks, including one on a high-security prison, in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province, leaving four law enforcement personnel and two civilians dead and triggering a gun-battle in which nine of the militants were also killed.

“The attacks took place on January 29 in Mach town, some 70 km from the provincial capital Quetta,” officials said.

A press release issued from the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on January 30 said that on the night between January 29 and 30, “multiple terrorists, including suicide bombers, attacked Mach and Kolpur Complexes in Balochistan, which was effectively responded by law enforcement agencies (LEAs).” Nine terrorists were killed and three injured and captured by security forces when they tried to apparently penetrate the high-security central Mach Jail where some dangerous militants and death row prisoners are incarcerated.

The ISPR also confirmed the death of four security personnel and two civilians since Monday night. It said security forces in the vicinity were immediately mobilised and were carrying out an “ensuing operation”.

“Nine terrorists, including three suicide bombers, were “sent to hell till now” while three were injured,” the statement said. A senior police official earlier said at least 15 rockets were fired at the Central Mach Jail.

The banned separatist group the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) Majeed group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. After the attacks, a heavy gun-battle lasting several hours ensued between the security forces and the attackers who tried to retreat into the mountains.