Rawalpindi (Agencies): At least four Pakistan Army personnel were martyred and four others injured in a landmine blast in North Waziristan on Friday.
According to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), three army officers and one soldier were martyred in a blast caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Kharkamar area of North Waziristan.
"Terrorists targeted military vehicle through an IED planted on road. 3 officers and a soldiers embraced Shahadat. 4 soldiers Injured," the ISPR said.
The martyred personnel were identified as Lt Col Raashid Karim Baig resident of karimabad, Hunza, Major Moeez Maqsood Baig resident of Karachi, Captain Arif Ullah resident of Lakki Marwat and Lance Havaldar Zaheer resident of Chakwal, the military's media wing stated.
This is the same area where forces had conducted search operations and arrested few facilitators, the ISPR added.
The ISPR further said that 10 security personnel embraced martyrdom and 35 others got injured during last one month.
President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan strongly condemned the terrorist attack in North Waziristan that resulted in martyrdom of the Pakistan Army personnel.
In a statement, President Alvi said the nation is united against the miscreants who are opposed to restoration of peace in the area but the nation is united against them. He prayed for the departed souls to rest in peace and for the grant of courage to the bereaved families.
Prime Minister Imran Khan also condemned the attack on security forces and expressed his sorrow over the loss of precious lives of Pakistan Army personnel.
“Deeply saddened to learn of the shahadat of three officers and one soldier from a terrorist-planted IED blast in Kharkamar, N.Waziristan. My condolences to the families of the Shuhada and prayers for recovery of the injured,” the PM said in a tweet.
“I salute the sacrifices and bravery of our soldiers in keeping us safe. The whole nation stands behind them,” the prime minister added.
