In a cowardly terrorist attack in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan, 13 security personnel were martyred after an explosive-laden vehicle targeted a convoy, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.

According to ISPR, the attack was orchestrated by Indian-sponsored terrorists, who attempted to target the military convoy with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED).

Despite efforts by security forces to foil the attack, one vehicle was hit, leading to the martyrdom of 13 soldiers, the statement confirmed.

Among the martyrs were:

Subedar Zahid Iqbal
Havaldar Sohrab Khan
Mian Yousuf
Naik Khateeb Shah
Lance Naik Ismail
Sepoy Rohail
Muhammad Ramzan
Sepoy Nawab
Zubair Ahmed
Muhammad Sakhi
Hashim Abbasi
Mudassar Ijaz
Manzar Ali

The terrorist attack also injured two children and a female civilian.

In the sanitization operation, the Pakistan Army neutralized 14 terrorists during an intense exchange of fire. According to ISPR, the operation is ongoing in the area to ensure the perpetrators involved in the attack are brought to justice.

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The ISPR reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces remain determined to eliminate the scourge of terrorism and will continue operations until complete peace and stability are restored.

CM KP condemns attack, pays tribute to martyrs

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur strongly condemned the heinous attack and expressed profound sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

“We salute the officers and jawans who laid down their lives for the security of Pakistan,” said the chief minister. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the martyrs. We pray for their patience and strength in this time of grief.”

He also offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured civilians and vowed that the sacrifices of security forces will not go in vain. “Our forces have made unmatched sacrifices to eliminate terrorism and restore peace. The nation stands united with them,” Gandapur added.

The attack marks one of the deadliest in recent months in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by foreign-sponsored militant networks in Pakistan’s tribal belt.