Pakistan: Taliban Attack in Ziarat Kills 10 Policeman's, Including Two Officers; Several Missing

Washington, D.C. (Shabbir Turi) — At least 10 police officers, including two station house officers (SHOs), were killed in a deadly attack by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in the Mangi Dam area of Ziarat district in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province. Twenty-one officers were initially reported missing following the assault. Eight have since returned safely, while the whereabouts of the remaining personnel remain unknown.

According to officials, a large group of militants attacked a police checkpoint guarding the Phase III construction site at Mangi Dam on Monday. Security personnel offered fierce resistance, triggering an exchange of fire that lasted for more than 20 hours.

Ziarat Deputy Commissioner Abdul Qadoos Achakzai confirmed that the officers were deployed to provide security for the development project. He said two SHOs were among the 10 police personnel killed, while several others remain missing.

Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind blamed the attack on the banned TTP, which the Pakistani government officially refers to as Fitna al-Khawarij. He said security forces later launched a large-scale clearance operation in the area, which has now been completed.

Police officials said at least 15 militants were killed during the operation, and the area has since been declared secure.

A local police official said the prolonged gun battle made it difficult to immediately determine the number of injured personnel. He added that at least two similar militant attacks had been attempted in recent weeks.

Following the attack, 21 police officers were reported missing. Later, eight officers returned safely.

According to Shahid Rind, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ghulam Sarwar was among eight officers who safely reached Kach Police Station after navigating difficult mountainous terrain. A constable identified as Rizwan was also rescued. However, authorities have not provided any update on the remaining missing personnel.

Meanwhile, the banned TTP claimed it had seized a police vehicle and dozens of government-issued weapons during the attack. Pakistani authorities have not independently verified the claim.

Protests have continued since Monday night at the Khanozai Cross on the National Highway in Pishin district. Demonstrators allege that a large number of armed militants entered the area and abducted more than 20 police officers, calling on the government to ensure the immediate recovery of those still missing.

The Balochistan government has established a four-member inquiry committee to investigate the attack. According to an official statement, Chief Minister Inspection Team (CMIT) Chairman Muhammad Ali will head the committee.

The committee has been directed to examine all aspects of the attack, including security arrangements, operational responsibilities, and any possible negligence, before submitting its report to the provincial government. Authorities have already suspended the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Ziarat over alleged negligence, with officials saying further action will be taken based on the committee's findings.

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, shares borders with both Afghanistan and Iran and has witnessed a surge in militant violence in recent years, including attacks by Islamist militant groups and ethnic Baloch separatist insurgents.