Ten Pakistani personnel, including six Frontier Corps (FC) personnel and four Customs officials, were reportedly killed and seven others injured after armed men launched an overnight attack on a Customs warehouse and a joint FC check post at Ziarat Cross, according to police and local officials.
The attackers reportedly targeted the Customs facility and nearby security installations, opening fire on personnel stationed at the site. An intense exchange of fire subsequently took place between the assailants and Pakistani forces.
Those reported killed include Pakistan Army Captain Ziaullah, Hawaldar Samiullah, Lance Naik Nowroz, Lance Naik Shakeel and Sepoy Sajawal. The identities of the other FC personnel were not immediately available.
Among those reported injured are Hawaldar Jahangir, Lance Naik Sardar, Lance Naik Shabbir, Sepoy Anwar and Sepoy Hikmat. Sepoy Ashiq and Sepoy Ghulam Rasool were reportedly in critical condition.
Following the attack, the assailants reportedly set fire to several vehicles parked inside the Customs warehouse compound, causing significant damage. Firefighters and emergency response teams were deployed to the site and brought the blaze under control, officials said.
Pakistani forces and police subsequently cordoned off the area and launched search and clearance operations.
Meanwhile, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement, the group said its Special Istishhadi Force (SIF) targeted the joint police and Customs office at Ziarat.
The TTP claimed that 15 personnel were killed and several others wounded during the clashes. It also claimed that its fighters seized 15 weapons and other equipment and shot down a quadcopter during the operation.