3 police officials martyred in Quetta ambush by terrorists 

Three police officers were martyred and another injured in an ambush by terrorists on a police patrol vehicle in Quetta while the Balochistan government vowed to trace down and punish the attackers, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Thursday.

The terrorists struck the mobile van in the jurisdiction of New Sariab Police Station on Quetta’s Mastung Road. The assailants, whose identities remained unknown, opened indiscriminate firing on the police vehicle and fled the scene.

The martyred officers were identified as Sub-Inspector Abdul Wali, Constable Abdul Rehman and Constable Mukhtiar. The driver of the police mobile, Kher Baksh, sustained injuries and was shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

In his reaction, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti while strongly condemning the terrorist attack expressed deep sorrow over the loss of brave police personnel. In a statement issued to the media, the chief minister vowed that the blood of the martyrs would not go in vain. “The cowardly attackers will be brought to justice,” said CM Bugti, adding the State is not weak and those attempting to disrupt peace in Balochistan will receive the harshest response.

The chief minister assured that a full-scale operation will be launched against terrorists and that no space will be left for such elements in the province.

Balochistan government spokesman Shahid Rind said the three policemen were martyred when unidentified assailants opened fire on a police mobile van. He said security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation.

Condemning the attack, the spokesman said every attempt to disrupt peace in the province will be foiled with full force, and terrorists will be brought to justice. He added that the sacrifices of the security forces will not go waste.

Reporter Essa Tareen