LOC21:37
18:37 GMT
ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (KUNA) -- At least four militants were killed and as many soldiers embraced martyrdom in an attack on a security forces camp in tribal district of Pakistan's northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province bordering Afghanistan, Pakistan military said Friday.
According to a press release by Pakistan military's media wing Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), "in a heinous and cowardly terrorist act", militants attacked a security forces camp, in general area Boya of North Waziristan tribal district in KPK.
It further said that militants attempted to breach the perimeter security, however, their nefarious designs were swiftly foiled by the vigilant and resolute response by Pakistani troops. "In their desperation, the attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle on the outer perimeter wall, resulting in its collapse and considerable damage to adjacent civilian infrastructure including a mosque," it added.
Besides damaging their homes, this blatant act of barbarism by militants inflicted severe injuries to 15 local civilians including innocent children and women, said the military.
Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, Pakistani troops engaged the intruders with precision, resultantly all four militants were killed.
However, during the intense fire exchanges, four brave sons of soil having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom, confirmed ISPR.
The release mentioned that the hideous act of terrorism, planned and orchestrated by Afghanistan based militants contrasts with assertions made by Afghan Taliban Regime, claiming non presence of these terrorist groups operating from their soil.
Pakistan expects from the Afghan Taliban Regime to fulfil its obligations and deny use of its soil by militants against Pakistan as the safety and security of people of Pakistan comes first and foremost.
Pakistan reserves the right to hunt these militants down and eliminate their facilitators and affiliates to ensure safety of its own people, the release concluded.
President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a security forces' camp in North Waziristan and paid tribute to the soldiers who embraced martyrdom while fighting the terrorists.
In separate statements, the President and Prime Minister commiserate with the families of martyred soldiers and saluted the security forces for their timely and courageous action against the terrorists.
They also expressed deep grief and sorrow over the injuries to innocent civilians, women and children during the attack.
The Prime Minister said the entire nation stands resolute alongside security forces to eliminate terrorism in all its form and manifestations.
The attack comes at a time when Pakistan is witnessing a rise in terror attacks especially in KPK and Balochistan provinces bordering Afghanistan. (end)
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