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**KURRAM DISTRICT, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:** Five soldiers of the Pakistan Army were martyred on Friday in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Kurram district, as confirmed by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
According to the ISPR press release, the explosion targeted a security forces’ vehicle in the Sadda area of Kurram district. The martyred soldiers include 33-year-old Havildar Aqeel Ahmed from Okara, 30-year-old Lance Naik Muhammad Tafeer from Poonch, 24-year-old Sepoy Anosh Rufun from Attock, 26-year-old Sepoy Muhammad Azam Khan from Haripur, and 29-year-old Sepoy Haroon William from Islamabad.
The ISPR stated that efforts are underway to sanitize the area and eliminate any remaining terrorists. It assured that those responsible for this "heinous act" will be brought to justice.
"The security forces of Pakistan remain steadfast in their commitment to eradicate terrorism, and the sacrifices of our brave soldiers only strengthen our resolve," emphasized the ISPR.
President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack, expressing appreciation for the patriotism and dedication of the martyrs. He praised the role of security forces in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, affirming that operations by law enforcement agencies will continue unabated.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also denounced the attack and paid homage to the martyrs for their selfless sacrifice in securing a peaceful future for the nation. The interior ministry emphasized that such acts of bravery by security forces are unparalleled in history.
In related incidents, an IED blast claimed the lives of four members of a family in the district on Sunday. Additionally, last month, four security personnel sustained injuries in a cross-border attack on checkpoints, with reports indicating the elimination of 12 alleged attackers in subsequent retaliatory actions.
Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist activities, particularly in KP and Balochistan, following the termination of a ceasefire by the banned militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in November 2022.
According to an annual security report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan recorded 1,524 fatalities and 1,463 injuries from 789 incidents of terrorism and counter-terror operations in 2023, marking a six-year high. The majority of these incidents occurred in KP and Balochistan, highlighting these regions as focal points for violence and security operations.
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