Attack on military vehicle kills seven soldiers in N. Pakistan

At least seven soldiers lost their lives on Sunday when a security forces' vehicle came under attack in Pakistan's northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province bordering Afghanistan, said military. According to a statement issued by Pakistan military's media wing Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), seven soldiers of Pakistan army made the ultimate sacrifice when a security forces' vehicle was attacked with an improvised explosive device in KPK's Lakki Marwat district. The ISPR said that "sanitization of the area" was underway to eliminate terrorists and added, "the perpetrators of this heinous act will be brought to justice." "Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve," the statement added. President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari has expressed grief over the martyrdom of security forces' personnel. In a statement by President House, Zardari paid rich tribute to the personnel of the security for ces and prayed for higher status in heaven for the departed souls. He said that the entire nation is fully committed to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from the country, adding that the nation will not forget the sacrifices of its brave sons and martyrs. Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of seven security forces' personnel. In a statement by PM House, he said that the entire nation pays tribute to the law enforcement agencies for giving meritorious sacrifices and services. The Prime Minister said that the entire nation stands with the law enforcement agencies in the war against terrorism and vowed to continue the war against terrorism till the complete elimination of this menace from the country. Earlier last month, at least 17 terrorists were killed and another two were injured in two separate operations conducted by security forces in KPK. The operations come at a time when Pakistan has witnessed a rise in terror attacks especially in KPK and Balo chistan provinces bordering Afghanistan after the banned outfit Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended the ceasefire agreement with the government last year. Source: Kuwait News Agency