Seven Pakistani Army personnel were killed on Tuesday in the southern province of Balochistan when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED), according to a military statement cited by Reuters.
According to a Geo TV report, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated in a press release that the Baloch Liberation Army carried out an IED attack targeting a military vehicle in the Mach area of Kachhi District.
The ISPR confirmed that seven soldiers, Subedar Umar Farooq (42, Karachi), Naik Asif Khan (28, Karak), Naik Mashkoor Ali (28, Orakzai), Sepoy Tariq Nawaz (26, Lakki Marwat), Sepoy Wajid Ahmed Faiz (28, Bagh), Sepoy Muhammad Asim (22, Karak), and Sepoy Muhammad Kashif Khan (28, Kohat), were martyred in the attack.
The ISPR added that measures are being taken to eliminate any terrorists present in the area. It also said that those involved in the “heinous act” would be brought to justice.
“Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging peace, stability, and progress of Balochistan, and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” it added.
However, at the time of writing the story, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.
BLA Attack Over Police Truck
The attack came following a blast which targeted a police truck that claimed the lives of three people and injured 19 others in Balochistan province on April 15, as per Geo TV.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group advocating for Balochistan’s secession from Pakistan, has previously launched more similar attacks against Pakistan Army troops and security personnel.
The group gained widespread attention in March after claiming responsibility for hijacking the Jaffar Express in Balochistan, an incident that reportedly led to the deaths of over 100 security forces and civilians.
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