Jul 07, Kathmandu - In the turbulent southwestern Balochistan province of Pakistan, a violent armed assault on a police outpost safeguarding a dam construction project has resulted in the deaths of at least nine police officers, with several others still reported missing, officials confirmed.

According to senior district official Abdul Qudos, the attack targeted a police checkpoint deployed for the security of the Mangi Dam project. The gunmen's assault led to the tragic loss of nine police personnel.

Following the incident, search operations are ongoing as the condition of some officers remains unknown, he added.

Shahid Rind, a spokesperson for the Balochistan provincial government, also confirmed the death toll, stating that nine police officers, including senior officials from various police stations, lost their lives in the attack. He expressed suspicion that Islamist militant groups might be involved in the assault.

In response, security forces, including paramilitary units and anti-terrorism agencies, launched joint search and security operations immediately after the attack. The whereabouts of the attackers remain under investigation.

Balochistan, a mineral-rich province, has long been embroiled in separatist insurgencies and armed conflicts. The region, sharing borders with Afghanistan and Iran, has frequently faced attacks on security installations, government infrastructure, and foreign-funded development projects.

Pakistan attributes much of the militant activity in border areas to groups operating from Afghanistan, though Afghan officials have consistently denied these allegations.

In recent months, Pakistan has conducted aerial strikes targeting militants along the Afghan border. While Pakistan claims these actions are aimed at terrorist networks, the Taliban administration and the United Nations have reported civilian casualties, including dozens of innocent lives lost in such operations.