ISLAMABAD:
A deadly suicide bombing targeted a military convoy in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali area on Saturday, claiming the lives of 13 Pakistan Army soldiers, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed.
According to ISPR, the attacker rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy. Two children and a woman were also injured in the attack, highlighting the severe human toll of the tragedy.
Nation Mourns the Fallen Heroes
The martyred soldiers were identified as: Subedar Zahid Iqbal, Havaldar Sohrab Khan, Havaldar Mian Yousaf, Naik Khitab Shah, Lance Naik Ismail, Sepoy Rohail, Sepoy Muhammad Ramzan, Sepoy Nawab, Sepoy Zubair Ahmed, Sepoy Muhammad Sahki, Sepoy Hashim Abbasi, Sepoy Muddasir Ejaz, and Sepoy Manzar Ali.
These brave men hailed from various districts across Pakistan including Karak, Naseerabad, Buner, Lower Dir, Mirpur Khas, Dera Ghazi Khan, Quetta, Abbottabad, Layyah, and Mardan.
Their sacrifice stands as a stark reminder of the high price Pakistan pays in the fight against terrorism.
Retaliation and Leadership Response
In response, the security forces launched a sanitisation operation in the area, killing 14 terrorists. ISPR stated that the operation will continue until every individual responsible is brought to justice.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid heartfelt tribute to the fallen soldiers. The President hailed them as “true heroes” of the nation and vowed that their sacrifices would never be forgotten. The Prime Minister echoed this sentiment, praying for the martyrs’ elevation and offering condolences to their families.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the attack, blaming “Fitna-e-Hindustan” for sponsoring terrorism in the region, and stated the nation stands united against such cowardly acts.
