Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti onFriday said that security forces successfully foiled an attempt to loot banks in Kharan, killing 14 terrorists, including 12 confirmed fatalities, during the operation.
Addressing a press conference in Quetta, the chief minister said 15 to 20 armed attackers tried to enter Kharan from multiple routes with the intention of looting banks and stealing the money of ordinary Baloch citizens.
He termed the attempt an attack on public wealth rather than a political act.
“These people raise false slogans in the name of the Baloch cause but have turned into bank robbers,” Bugti said, adding that the attackers were terrorists involved in criminal activities.
He revealed that some assailants managed to loot Rs3.5 million from the cash counter of the National Bank, but the broader plan to rob banks in the area was thwarted due to timely action by security forces and residents.
According to the chief minister, four terrorists were killed on the spot at two locations, while eight more were eliminated with the help of local people in Kharan.
He praised the role of security forces in the operation, stating that a Col Wadaan and Major Asim were injured during the exchange of fire.
Bugti said a clearance operation is still underway in the area.
He disclosed that 900 terrorists were killed last year and reiterated that the state remains open to those willing to surrender.
The chief minister also announced that the Bolan National Highway is closed at night for development work.
