![ISPR: Five soldiers martyred in IED attack in KP's Kurram district 1 21213810b4bd02b](https://i.dawn.com/large/2024/06/21213810b4bd02b.jpg?r=213836)
Tragedy struck in Pakistan as five soldiers from the Pakistan Army were martyred in a blast caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Kurram district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty were hailed as heroes by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The ISPR identified the brave soldiers as Havildar Aqeel Ahmed, Lance Naik Muhammad Tafeer, Sepoy Anosh Rufun, Sepoy Muhammad Azam Khan, and Sepoy Haroon William. Following the incident, security forces launched an operation to eliminate any remaining threats in the area.
President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack and praised the martyrs for their patriotism and sense of duty. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to the fallen soldiers and reiterated the nation’s commitment to eradicating terrorism.
The attack comes amidst a rise in terror activities in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The country witnessed a surge in violence-related fatalities in 2023, with a record six-year high reported by the Centre for Research and Security Studies.