Thirteen soldiers were martyred and three wounded civilians, including two children and a woman, in a bombing of suicide targeting a security forces convoy in the Mir Ali region in northern Waziristan, the media wing said on Saturday.
According to a press release published by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attack was carried out using a vehicle loaded with explosives which struck the main vehicle of the convoy after the interception of an initial suicide bomber.
The army said that the attack was planned and orchestrated by India and executed by “its terrorists by proxy”.
The day after the attack, the security forces launched a disinfection operation in the region. “During the exchange of fire that followed, 14 terrorists were killed,” said the statement, adding that the operation was still underway to eliminate any remaining threat.
Learn more: Four martyred soldiers in Waziristan
The Soldiers Who Lost Their Lives in the Line of Duty Wre Identified As Subedar Zahid Iqbal (45, Karak), Havildar Sohrab Khan (39, Naseerabad), Havildar Mian Yousaf (41, Buner), Naik Khitab Shah (34, Lower Dir), Lance Naik Ismail (32, 32 Naseerabad), Sepoy Rohail (30, Mirpur Khas), Sepoy Muhammad Ramzan (33, Dera Ghazi Khan), Sepoy Nawab (30, Quetta), Sepoy Zubair Ahmed (24, Naseerabad), Sepoy Muhammad Sahki (31, Dera Ghazi Khan), Sepoy Hashim Abbasi (20, 20, Abbottabad), Sepoy Muddasir Ejaz (25, Layyah) and Sepoy Manzar Ali (23, Mardan).
The soldiers said that the injured civilians had received immediate medical assistance and that new updates on their condition would follow.
“Pakistan security forces, as well as the nation, remain resolved in their determination to eliminate terrorism from the country,” said the ISPR, adding that the sacrifices of soldiers and civilians “further strengthen our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation at all costs.”
