COAS Asim Munir vows to defeat ‘frenemies ‘after Kalat attack

KALAT: The army’s media wing said Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir has vowed to defeat terrorist proxies, whom he termed ‘frenemies’ after the martyrdom of 18 paramilitary personnel in a security operation in Balochistan’s Kalat.

“Those who are acting as terrorist proxies of their foreign masters who have mastered the art of displaying double standards of hunting with the hunter and running with the hare are well aware of us,” COAS Munir said during a visit to the province on Saturday.

“No matter what these so-called ‘frenemies’ may do, you will surely be defeated by the resilience of our proud nation and its Armed Forces Inshallah. For the defence of our motherland and its people, we will definitely retaliate and ‘hunt you down’, whenever required and wherever you may be,” he said.

Eighteen Frontier Corps personnel were martyred during a security operation in Kalat district on the intervening night of January 31 and February 1 against terrorists who were trying to set up roadblocks in the area to target civilian vehicles. At least 12 terrorists were also killed in the operation. .

In addition, at least 11 terrorists were killed in Balochistan’s Harnai area. Earlier in the day, a statement by the media wing said that the terrorist operation, “at the behest of the enemy and hostile forces,” was aimed at disrupting the peaceful atmosphere.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations said that the army personnel had killed the COAS in Balochistan Briefed on the security situation. Senior security and intelligence officials also attended the meeting.

Army Chief Munir, Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhel and Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti offered the funeral prayers of the martyred soldiers. They also visited the injured soldiers at the Combined Military Hospital Quetta and appreciated their “unwavering resolve to defend the country at all costs”.

The Army Chief also appreciated the efforts of the officers and men of the army, Frontier Corps and law enforcement agencies for their “courage and determination to fight terrorism”.

He reiterated the army’s commitment to “ensuring the security and well-being of the people of Balochistan while reaffirming its commitment to support the provincial government in its efforts to promote peace, stability and development in the region.”