14 soldiers martyred as terrorists attack security forces' vehicles in Gwadar

At least 14 soldiers were martyred when terrorists attacked two vehicles carrying security forces in Gwadar, the military's media wing said Friday. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement, said that the unfortunate incident occurred when the security convoy was moving from Pasni to Ormara in Gwadar district. The military's wing added that a sanitisation operation was being carried out in the area and perpetrators of "this heinous act will be hunted down [and] brought to justice".

On Friday, there was a terrorist attack in Gwadar that resulted in the martyrdom of at least 14 soldiers, according to the military's media wing.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the unfortunate incident occurred when a security convoy was traveling from Pasni to Ormara in Gwadar district.

The military's statement also mentioned that a sanitization operation was underway in the area, and the perpetrators of this heinous act would be pursued and brought to justice.

The ISPR emphasized the security forces' determination to eliminate terrorism from the country and stated that the sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.

Interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani strongly condemned the terrorist attack. He described such acts as utterly reprehensible and expressed condolences to the families of the martyred and injured. He reiterated Pakistan's determination to stand resolute against terrorists.

Pakistan, a nation of 240 million people, has experienced a surge in terrorism in recent months, with groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militants intensifying their attacks on security forces. In response, the state has launched operations to combat terrorism.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir stated last week that the armed forces and their security and intelligence units have admirably fought the menace of terrorism, despite enduring various forms of support from hostile forces. He expressed confidence that success would be achieved with the continued support of the Pakistani people.

A report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), released in October, revealed that security forces had lost at least 386 personnel in the first nine months of 2023, marking an eight-year high in such casualties.

During the third quarter of 2023, approximately 445 people lost their lives, and 440 were injured in 190 terror attacks and counter-terror operations.

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