In a statement, the Pakistan armed forces' media wing Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that terrorists made use of Iranian soil to target a convoy of security forces who were patrolling the border. According to the ISPR, Iranian authorities had been formally requested to "track down the terrorists" on their side of the border.
The fallen soldiers have been identified as Lance Naik Fareed Ullah Khan, Lance Naik Abdul Razzaq, Lance Naik Muhammad Younas Khan and Sepoy Asad Ali.
Hoshab Intelligence Operation
Meanwhile, security forces killed at least four terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Hoshab area of the province. In an earlier statement, the ISPR said that the terrorists were suspected in attacks on security forces and civilians, as well as planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on the M-8 motorway.
The ISPR said that as a result of continuous "intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) of the area, a location of the terrorists was identified". On the basis of this credible intelligence, an IBO was initiated to clear the identified terrorist hideout.
Security High Alert in Islamabad and Rawalpindi
Intelligence agencies have also warned of possible terrorist attacks in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Police and security agencies are on alert and law enforcers are ensuring strict security at sensitive installations, police offices, important government offices, and other potential targets for terrorists.
A threat alert has been issued after reports emerged that terrorist elements were present in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. These suspected terrorists are presumed to belong to a banned organisation, and purportedly have plans to carry out sabotage activities to create chaos in the twin cities, one the seat of federal power in Pakistan and the other the home of the army's General Headquarters (GHQ).