The Balochistan government has released a detailed report on the Mangi Dam Police Post attack, providing a chronological account of the deadly terrorist assault, the police response, the deployment of reinforcements, and the launch of Operation Shaban. The report outlines how police personnel defended the post under sustained attack, the challenges posed by the rugged terrain, and the subsequent counter terrorism operation that has so far resulted in the killing of 43 terrorists.
According to the report, misleading narratives and misinformation began circulating immediately after the incident. However, official details indicate that the police personnel displayed exceptional courage under extremely challenging circumstances while reinforcement teams from the Balochistan Police, Frontier Corps (FC), and Pakistan Army responded to the attack.
Intelligence Warning Before the Attack
According to the report, on July 6, around 35 Balochistan Police personnel, led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), were deployed at the Mangi Dam Police Post. Intelligence agencies had already issued a threat alert regarding a possible terrorist attack, prompting authorities to reinforce the post with additional personnel.
The nearest Frontier Corps (FC) post, staffed by approximately 20 personnel, was located about 20 kilometres away.
Initial Gunfire and Tactical Delay
At approximately 11:00 a.m., reports of intermittent gunfire were received from an area some distance away from the police post. Since the post had recently been reinforced with additional manpower and improved weaponry, the commanding officer assessed that the deployed force was capable of handling the situation. Meanwhile, the Police Headquarters and FC Wing remained in constant communication.
As a precaution, the Police Headquarters dispatched an additional reinforcement contingent comprising around 35 personnel. Simultaneously, the Frontier Corps deployed an armed helicopter for aerial surveillance, which monitored the area for nearly 90 minutes.
Terrorists Attempted to Exhaust Police Ammunition
According to the report, the terrorists deliberately engaged in intermittent firing throughout the day in an apparent attempt to force the police to expend their ammunition. By evening, the police post had consumed most of its available ammunition while maintaining its defensive positions.
When the reinforcement convoy approached the area, it also came under terrorist fire, forcing it to halt at a safe distance from the besieged post.
The Frontier Corps subsequently employed VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) drones and mortar fire to engage terrorist positions, enabling police and FC reinforcements to advance toward the post.
Direct Assault at Dusk
After sunset, the terrorists launched a direct assault on the police post, triggering intense close-quarter fighting.
Police personnel defended their positions while FC and police reinforcements continued advancing under fire.
During the fierce engagement, 15 terrorists were killed, while nine police personnel embraced martyrdom and three others sustained injuries. The injured officers were evacuated to safety after reinforcements secured access to the area.
Ammunition Depleted, Personnel Attempted Breakout
With ammunition almost exhausted, the remaining personnel, including the DSP, attempted to withdraw under the cover of darkness in two separate groups.
The group led by the DSP successfully reached safety. However, the second group, consisting of 18 police personnel, encountered terrorists in the rugged terrain and was taken hostage.
Rugged Terrain Complicated Rescue Efforts
The report said the area consists of steep mountains, deep ravines, rocky tracks, and narrow valleys, making visibility extremely limited and combat largely confined to close-range engagements.
These challenging geographical conditions required FC and police reinforcements to advance cautiously due to the constant risk of ambushes.
Operation Shaban Continues
Following the attack, the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and Balochistan Police launched a large-scale combing operation across more than 300 square kilometres of mountainous terrain.
Government officials in the report said that an additional eight terrorists were killed during subsequent clashes, bringing the total number of terrorists eliminated in Operation Shaban to 43.
Officials stated that the operation will continue until all terrorists operating in the area are neutralised.
Government of Balochistan rejected claims questioning the police response, maintaining that personnel at the Mangi Dam Police Post fought until the very end despite overwhelming odds, while FC and police reinforcements responded swiftly and displayed exceptional bravery in supporting their fellow officers.
Officials added that the sacrifices of the fallen police personnel will be remembered and that operations against terrorist groups in the region will continue without interruption.
