At least nine soldiers were martyred when a motorcycle-riding suicide bomber detonated himself on a military convoy in the general region of Jani Khel in the Bannu District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Naib Subedar Sanobar Ali was one of the nine soldiers martyred in the attack, while five other soldiers were injured, according to the military’s media wing.
"The area has been cordoned off by security forces, and sanitization is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists found in the area," it said.
The ISPR further stated that the security forces are "determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism" and that the "sacrifices" of the "brave soldiers further strengthen" the military's determination.
While reacting to the terrorist attack, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said that he was "heartbroken" by the loss of nine "valiant soldiers" to a heinous terrorist assault that resulted in numerous injuries.
"Such actions are completely abhorrent. The families of the deceased and injured are in my thoughts. Pakistan is steadfastly opposed to this kind of terrorism," he added.
Earlier this month, Army Chief General Asim Munir warned terrorists to surrender to the "writ of state of Pakistan before they are decimated" and said the current upsurge in terrorism was a "futile effort" on their part to begin negotiations.
The army chief said that the Pakistani Army, Frontier Corps (FC), and other law enforcement agencies are fully committed to eradicating terrorism. According to the ISPR, "General Munir demonstrated resolve to finish the peril of Narco, which is becoming a lifeline for these TTP khawaraj."
The army chief vowed that the sacrifices of the martyrs would not be in vain and that peace would return to Pakistan as he paid respect to heroic tribesmen, officers, and soldiers of the Pakistan Army, FC, Levies, Khasadars, and police.