A security convoy in Balochistan came under attack on Friday, an official said, resulting in the martyrdom of 14 troops, according to a statement issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

“On 3 November 2023, two vehicles of security forces moving from Pasni to Ormara in Gwadar District, were ambushed by the terrorists. 14 soldiers embraced shahadat in the unfortunate incident,” read the statement from the military’s media wing.

It added that the sanitization operation is being carried out in the area and perpetrators of this heinous act will be hunted down and brought to justice.

“Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” concluded the statement.

A bomb blast earlier in the day targeting a police van in northwestern Pakistan killed five civilians and wounded 21 people, officials said. The attack happened in Dera Ismail Khan, a city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the Afghan border where militancy has spiked in recent months.

Condemnations poured in

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the convoy of security forces in Gwadar district.

Prime Minister paid tribute to the 14 security forces personnel who lost their lives in the attack.

He said the evil intentions of terrorists will never be allowed to succeed.

He said the entire Pakistani nation, including me, is proud of its martyrs.

“Such cowardly attacks by terrorists will never be able to lower the morale of the Pakistani nation and its guardians,” said the Prime Minister.

He said the entire nation is standing by its security forces to end this scourge of terrorism.

Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti also strongly condemned the attack on the convoy of the security forces who were drenched in sweat.

Expressing deep sorrow and regret over the martyrdom of 14 soldiers, he said the great sacrifices of security forces will not go in vain: Interior Minister

He said the cowardly acts of terrorists cannot dampen our spirits and resolved to uproot the menace of terrorism from the country.

Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi also strongly condemned the terrorist attack on security forces.

Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the great sacrifice of martyred soldiers.

Naqvi expressed heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the martyrs.

He said the martyrs have offered their precious lives for the peace of the dear country and their sacrifices will always be remembered.

He said the nation is united to eradicate the scourge of terrorism and a handful of terrorists cannot weaken the firm resolve of a nation.