At least 14 soldiers were martyred when terrorists attacked two vehicles carrying security forces in Gwadar on Friday, according to the military's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The incident occurred when the security convoy was moving from Pasni to Ormara in Gwadar district.

The ISPR said that a sanitization operation was being carried out in the area and the perpetrators of the attack would be hunted down and brought to justice.

The military also said that it was determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of its brave soldiers further strengthened its resolve.

Pakistan has been facing a surge in terrorism in recent months, with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant outfits intensifying their actions against security forces.

The state has also launched operations to curb terrorism.

In October, the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) released a report that noted that the security forces lost at least 386 personnel in the first nine months of 2023, marking an eight-year-high.

In the third quarter of 2023, some 445 people lost their lives and 440 suffered injuries from as many as 190 terror attacks and counter-terror operations.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan were the primary centres of violence, accounting for nearly 94% of all fatalities and 89% of attacks (including incidents of terrorism and security forces operations) recorded during this period.

Condemnations pour

Meanwhile, political leaders including Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, Speaker of National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjarani, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, and former finance minister Ishaq Dar condemned the terrorist attack.

PM Kakar

In a condolence message, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar expressed deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of citizens in the blast.

He also prayed for elevation of ranks of the departed souls and courage to the bereaved families to bear this loss with equanimity.

He said war against terrorists would continue until complete eradication of the scourge of terrorism from the country.

“Thanks to the sacrifices of the law enforcement agencies, we have been thwarting the evil intentions of the terrorists,” he stated.

NA speaker

In a resolute statement, NA Speaker Raja Pervaiz Asharf firmly denounced the heinous attack on the security forces' convoy and expressed his deep sorrow for the loss of 14 security personnel.

He extended his heartfelt condolences and unwavering support to the bereaved families.

Asif Ali Zardari

Furthermore, former president and PPP co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari voiced his strong condemnation of the assault on the Pakistan Army convoy.

He vowed not to let the sacrifices of these soldiers go in vain.

He reaffirmed PPP commitment to combating extremism and eradicating hate-based ideologies.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

PPP Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed his condemnation of the terrorist attack on the security forces' convoy in Gwadar district.

He declared that the battle against terrorism will persist until the very last terrorist is defeated.

The former minister pledged to avenge the blood of soldiers by eliminating hatred and divisive ideology.