ISLAMABAD: Four Pakistani soldiers lost their lives while trying to prevent militants from Afghanistan to infiltrate the northwestern tribal region of the country, said a statement released by the military’s media wing, ISPR, on Thursday.
The incident happened in the Hassan Khel settlement of North Waziristan district. The area has witnessed many clashes between Pakistan’s security personnel and Tehreek-e-Taliban fighters, resulting in casualties on both sides.
Pakistan’s restive tribal belt, which shares a border with Afghanistan, became a sanctuary for several militant groups after the 9/11 attacks in the United States and subsequent invasion of Afghanistan.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is a homegrown Pakistani militant network, though its leaders are now based in Afghanistan.
“On midnight 23/24 March, a group of terrorists attempted to infiltrate inside Pakistan from Afghanistan in Hassan Khel, North Waziristan District,” read the ISPR statement.
It added the infiltration attempt was foiled by security forces who responded in an effective and timely manner.
“The terrorists having failed, fled away and as per intelligence reports, suffered heavy casualties,” said the ISPR. “However, during the intense exchange of fire, four soldiers, having fought gallantly, embraced Shahadat [martyrdom].”
The statement continued the Pakistan Army was ready to defend the country, adding the sacrifices of its soldiers further strengthened its resolve to rid Pakistan of militancy.
