The Army Lieutenant Colonel Laiq Baig Mirza, who was abducted along with his cousin Umer Javed by Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) cadres near Warchoom area of Ziarat District of Balochistan on July 12, was killed by terrorists while five cadres were killed during an exchange of fire near Mangi Dam area of same District, reports Dawn. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that a group of cadres had abducted Lieutenant Colonel Laiq Baig Mirza and his cousin Umer Javed as they were returning after a paying a visit to the Quaid-e-Azam Residency. "After receiving the information, Army Quick Reaction Forces were immediately dispatched to chase fleeing terrorists who were traced moving to their hideouts in general area Mangi Dam," ISPR said.
A search operation was launched by Security Forces using Special Service Group (SSG) troops and helicopters to locate the abductees and the terrorists. "Resultantly, on the night between July 13 and July 14, a group of six to eight 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 Lt. Col. Mirza and attempted to flee," the statement added. An exchange of fire ensued, resulting the killing of five terrorists. The SFs also recovered a cache of improvised explosive devices and ammunition. However, in the process, remaining terrorists along with other abductee Umer managed to flee from the scene, according to the statement.
Earlier, BLA ‘spokesperson’ Jeehand Baloch claimed the custody of Lieutenant Colonel Laiq Baig Mirza, reports Radio Zrumbesh. He was arrested in an intelligence-based operation by BLA’s special force, Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOS). Lieutenant Colonel Laiq Baig Mirza was a primary target and he was being tracked for days by BLA’s intelligence units. On 12 July his movements were followed throughout the day and he was finally arrested in an area where risk to members of public was at minimum. Colonel Laeeq was travelling with his family on the day; however, the family members were treated with utmost respect and they were not harmed in any way as they were not involved in any crimes. Colonel Laeeq of 96 L/C belonged to 12th Azad Kashmir Regiment of Army. He previously held commanding positions in Pakistan Rangers. Currently he was a commanding officer of Pakistan’s Military Intelligence (MI). He was working in DHA Quetta as a cover for his secretive role. Colonel Laeeq was arrested for being an officer of occupying forces, and his direct involvement in Baloch genocide and grave human rights violations, including enforced disappearances of women and children, and other crimes. He was given full opportunity to prove his innocence in a Baloch national court. During the proceedings he confessed to all his crimes and was awarded death sentence, said Jeehand Baloch. BLA has compiled a list of military officers that are directly involved in Baloch genocide. Strict action will be taken against all such officers and they will be brought to justice, adds Jeehand Baloch.