NORTH WAZIRISTAN – A devastating suicide attack struck a convoy of Pakistan’s security forces in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan on Saturday, resulting in the martyrdom of 13 soldiers and injuries to three civilians, including two children and a woman.
The assault, carried out by a suicide bomber affiliated with the Indian-backed terrorist group Fitna al-Khawarij, involved an explosives-laden vehicle that attempted to ram the convoy. Although security personnel intercepted the bomber, the vehicle still managed to hit one of the military vehicles, triggering a powerful explosion.
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The martyred soldiers were 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, 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, Abbottabad)
- Sepoy Muddasir Ejaz (25, Layyah)
- Sepoy Manzar Ali (23, Mardan)
Following the attack, security forces launched a major sanitization operation in the region. During a fierce exchange of fire, 14 terrorists were killed. The operation is still underway to eliminate any remaining threats.
Military officials condemned the attack and accused India of sponsoring terrorism through proxy groups like Fitna al-Khawarij. “These cowardly acts cannot shake our resolve. The sacrifices of our martyrs only strengthen our commitment to defend the country,” said an ISPR spokesperson.
The nation grieves the loss of its heroes and stands in solidarity with the armed forces in their ongoing battle against terrorism.
