The Army said the cave came to the notice of the “law enforcement agencies (LEAs)” on August 23 when two Army helicopters flying over Tartani in Kohlu district of Balochistan came under fire from the ground by “Ferraris”, the term used by Pakistan government to describe Baloch rebels.

“As a result of which one helicopter suffered damage. Following this incident, LEAs dispatched another helicopter to search the area; this helicopter also received intense fire from the ground, was hit but managed to return safely to the base,” it said.

“Sequel to this incident, LEAs conducted a search operation against suspected ‘Ferrari’ camps in the area on August 24 and 25. During this search, the LEAs received intense fire of rockets, machine guns and mortars from widespread locations as a result of which two LEAs personnel were killed and three injured,” the Army said. Further reinforcement was sent on August 26, the Army said, adding that “during their search, the LEAs discovered a large number of caves from where intense fire was emanating.”

While LEAs were engaged in one of the caves, very heavy fire was exchanged because of which the cave collapsed, burying all those inside. Given the resistance met, it is presumed that Akbar Bugti and a number of terrorists were occupying this cave.”

The Army, the statement said, lost four officers and one soldier in yesterday’s fighting, taking its casualties to seven during the past few days. However, Defence officials were quoted as saying that 21 of their personnel, including a Colonel, two Majors and three Captains were killed.

... contd.