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

• Terrorists attack convoy moving from Pasni to Ormara.
• Sanitisation operation is being carried out in the area.
• "Security forces determined to eliminate terrorism."

RAWALPINDI: 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".

The ISPR mentioned that the security forces are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of "our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve".

Interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani strongly condemned the terrorist attack.

"Such acts are utterly reprehensible. Our thoughts and prayers are with families of the martyred and injured. Pakistan stands resolute against terrorists," he said in a post on X.

The nation of 240 million has faced a surge in terrorism in recent months, with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant outfits intensifying their actions against security forces.

In response, the state has also launched operations to curb terrorism.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir last week said that the armed forces and its security and intelligence setups have fought the menace of terrorism in an exemplary manner despite sustained and varied support of inimical forces.

"Success will be ours InshAllah with the continued support of the people of Pakistan," COAS Munir said.

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

In the third quarter of 2023, some 445 people lost their lives and 440 suffered injuries from as many as 190 terror attacks and counter-terror operations.

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