A group of 10-12 Terrorists abducted Lieutenant Colonel Laiq Baig Mirza serving in DHA Quetta and his cousin Umer Javed on Tuesday while returning to Quetta near Warchoom, Ziarat, after having visited Quaid's residency.

According to ISPR, on receipt of information, Army Quick Reaction Forces were immediately despatched to chase fleeing Terrorists who traced them moving to their hideouts in general area Mangi Dam.

A deliberate search operation was launched by security forces using SSG troops and helicopters.

Resultantly, yesterday night a group of 6-8 Terrorists was spotted moving in a Nullah in nearby mountains by one of the teams of security forces. On sensing their possible encirclement, Terrorists shot Lieutenant Colonel Laiq Baig Mirza Shaheed and attempted to flee.

In ensuing exchange of fire, two Terrorists have been killed while a cache of IEDs, explosives and ammunition has also been recovered.

However, in the process, remaining Terrorists along with other abductee Omer were able to flee for time being.

Determined to recover the innocent civilian hostage and apprehend perpetrators, sanitization operation in the area by security forces continues unabated despite bad weather conditions.

Security Forces remain resolute to thwart such cowardly attempts at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan.

Meanwhile, President Dr. Arif Alvi and the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have expressed deep grief and sorrow over martyrdom of Lieutenant Colonal Laiq Baig Mirza in Balochistan.

In their separate messages of condolence, they prayed for elevation of ranks of the martyr in heaven and for giving patience to the bereaved family.

The President said the nefarious tactics of the terrorists cannot weaken resolve of the nation.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said our law enforcement agencies will hunt down all those who perpetrated this heinous crime and bring them to justice.