At least six suspected militants were killed as security forces launched operations against terrorists in two separate locations in the country.
Gwadar attack
On Sunday morning, a military convoy escorting a team of Chinese engineers came under bomb and gun attack in the southern port city of Gwadar.
According to a statement from the military's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), terrorists attacked the convoy in which nearly two dozen Chinese engineers were travelling.
The terrorists, ISPR said, used rifles and hand grenades to attack the convoy. However, none of the occupants were hurt because they were inside bulletproof vehicles.
A retaliatory operation was swiftly launched against the alleged attackers.
"Due to the efficient and swift response, two terrorists were sent to hell with no harm to any military or civil persons," the ISPR statement said.
The military reiterated its resolve to defeat the efforts of terrorists and other enemies of "peace and prosperity in the country".
The Chinese diplomatic mission in Pakistan also [confirmed](http://karachi.china-consulate.gov.cn/chn/xwdt/202308/t20230813_11126224.htm) the attack, though it suggested that the convoy was probably targeted by bombs planted by the roadside.
"A convoy of the Chinese project in Gwadar Port encountered a roadside bomb attack and gunfire on its way to the port from Gwadar Airport. No Chinese citizens were injured," read a computer-generated translation of the Chinese-language statement.
China, the statement continued, strongly condemned the incident and urged authorities to take strict action against the perpetrators apart from taking effective measures to ensure peace and security for Chinese citizens, institutions and projects.
Moreover, the local Chinese mission said that it had advised its citizens and enterprises operating in the country to remain vigilant and enhance their security and to pay close attention to the evolving security situation in the country.
A Chinese convoy of engineers was attacked near the Gwadar police station in Pakistan, the Global Times has learned. The convoy of three SUVs and a van, all bulletproof, carried 23 Chinese personnel. An IED exploded during the attack and the van was shot at, creating cracks in… pic.twitter.com/LQ4zhuOGnh
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) August 13, 2023
Bajaur intelligence operation
A soldier was martyred, and four terrorists were killed during a clash in the Bajaur tribal district. The district was the scene of a horrific suicide blast a few weeks ago that left at least 63 people dead and nearly 200 injured.
ISPR, in a statement, said that on the night between August 12 and 13, security forces had conducted an Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO) in the Charmang area of Bajaur tribal district after receiving reports about the presence of suspected terrorists there.
During the operation, ISPR said security forces engaged with the terrorists. In the ensuing intense exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists, at least four terrorists were killed, while one terrorist was apprehended.
The intense exchange of fire saw 24-year-old Sepoy Muhammad Shoaib, a resident of District Kohat, fight gallantly and embrace Shahadat (Martyrdom).
Weapons, ammunition and explosives, including a suicide vest, were recovered from the terrorists.
ISPR said that terrorists remain actively involved in numerous militant activities against security forces apart from targeting innocent citizens.
ISPR suggested a connection with the suicide attack in the Khaar Tehsil of Bajaur late last month as it noted that the terrorists were involved in "suicide blasts".
The military stated that a 'sanitisation' of the area was being carried out to eliminate any terrorists hiding in the area.
Further, ISPR expressed that the security forces of Pakistan remain determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country.
The suicide blast, on a political event hosted by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), was claimed by the Islamic State in the Khorasan Province (ISKP).