Syed Sardar Muhammad Khondai:
A Levies officer was shot dead on Tuesday after armed men attacked a checkpost near the local graveyard in Qila Abdullah. The slain officer, Dafadar Saadullah, was in charge of the post.
Local residents told reporters that the clash began when Levies personnel exchanged fire with a group led by a man known as Faqir Achakzai.
Faqir Achakzai, however, claimed the incident unfolded differently. According to him, he and his companions were on their way to offer Fateha when Levies officials “opened fire without any warning,” killing two of his men.
Soon after the shooting, tension spread in the area. The Quetta–Chaman highway was blocked as people gathered in protest, demanding the arrest of those responsible.
Officials said that additional Levies and security forces had been deployed to track down the suspects. Authorities also stated that those involved in the attack have previously been linked with several criminal incidents in the region.
In a dramatic turn, an angry crowd stormed the house of the accused and took control of the property, further escalating the situation. The protesters again blocked the highway, pressing the administration for swift action.
Law-enforcement officials say the situation is tense but under control as the search for the attackers continues.
