Quetta, February 1, 2025: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has pledged to defeat the terrorist proxies, whom he referred to as ‘frenemies,’ following an attack in which 18 paramilitary soldiers were martyred during a security operation in Kalat, Balochistan, according to the military’s media wing.
“Those who act as terrorist proxies for foreign masters—masters who have perfected the art of double standards, hunting with the hound and running with the hare—are well known to us,” COAS Munir stated during a visit to the province on Saturday. “No matter what these so-called ‘frenemies’ may do, they will be defeated by the resilience of our proud nation and its Armed Forces, Inshallah. For the defense of our motherland and its people, we will retaliate and ‘hunt you down’ whenever and wherever necessary,” he added.
Eighteen soldiers from the Frontier Corps were martyred in Kalat during a security operation aimed at terrorists who were attempting to set up roadblocks to target civilian vehicles on the night of January 31 and February 1. At least 12 terrorists were killed during the operation.
In a separate incident, at least 11 terrorists were killed in Balochistan’s Harnai. The military’s media wing later stated that the attack was carried out under the “behest of inimical and hostile forces” seeking to disrupt the region’s peaceful environment.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that the army briefed COAS Munir on the security situation in Balochistan, with senior security and intelligence officials also in attendance.
During his visit, COAS Munir, Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, and Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti offered funeral prayers for the martyred soldiers. They also visited the injured soldiers at the Combined Military Hospital in Quetta and commended their “unwavering commitment to defending the country at all costs.”
The army chief also praised the efforts of the officers and soldiers from the Army, Frontier Corps, and law enforcement agencies for their “courage and determination in fighting terrorism.” He reaffirmed the army’s commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of the people of Balochistan while supporting the provincial government’s efforts to foster peace, stability, and development in the region.
