In a deadly suicide bombing in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali area, thirteen Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom and three civilians — including two children and a woman — sustained injuries, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday.
The attack, described by the military as “cowardly and barbaric,” involved a vehicle-borne suicide bomber who rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the lead unit of a military convoy. The assailant struck after an earlier suicide bomber was successfully intercepted by security forces.
“An initial suicide attempt was foiled by the leading group,” the ISPR noted. “However, in a desperate move, a second attacker driving an explosive-laden vehicle managed to ram into one of the convoy’s vehicles.” The statement attributed the attack to “Indian-sponsored Kharjis,” implicating external orchestration behind the strike.
As a result, thirteen soldiers were martyred in the line of duty. The fallen personnel 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)
Immediate medical aid was provided to the injured civilians, and their condition is being monitored.
In the aftermath of the bombing, security forces launched a comprehensive sanitisation operation to clear the area of any remaining threats. During the ensuing firefight, 14 terrorists were neutralised, with the operation still underway at the time of the statement.
The ISPR reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating terrorism, stating:
“The armed forces, backed by the will of the people, remain unyielding in their resolve to eliminate terrorism and safeguard the nation. The ultimate sacrifice of our brave soldiers and affected civilians will only strengthen our determination.”
This tragic incident underscores the persistent threat of terrorism in Pakistan’s tribal belt and the continued efforts of the armed forces to maintain national security amid regional challenges.
