Pakistan: 10 troops killed in militant attacks

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan

At least 10 Pakistani troops, including a captain, were killed in terrorist attacks near the northwestern border with Afghanistan and southwestern Balochistan province, the military said on Saturday.

In a statement issued by Inter-Service Public Relation (ISPR), a media-wing of Pakistan army said that troops of Frontiers Corps Balochistan were fired upon by terrorists during a combing operation between Hushab and Turbat areas of Balochistan province.

“Four including an officer embraced shahadat,” ISPR added.

In another attack, militants from across the border targeted an army patrolling party in North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, it said in a separate statement.

“6 Soldiers embraced shahadat," ISPR added.

Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the attacks and extended condolences to the families of the victims.

“I salute our armed forces personnel who continue to lay down their lives fighting terrorists to keep the nation safe. My condolences & prayers go to the families of the10 brave soldiers, including an officer, martyred fighting terrorists in North Waziristan & Balochistan today”, Khan said in a Twitter post.

Terrorist attacks in North Waziristan have increased in current months, On June 7, four army officers were killed and four other wounded in a terrorist attack in Data Khail area of North Waziristan.

North Waziristan, one of the seven tribal districts last year merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, has been a battleground between the army and Taliban militants since June 2014 following the launch of a full-scale military onslaught.

According to Pakistan's army, almost 3,000 militants have been killed in the operations which have left more than 200 troops dead from 2014 to 2016.