A statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations said that a suicide bomber on a motorcycle exploded on a convoy in Jani Khel, Bannu.

As a result of the attack, nine soldiers including Naib Subedar Sanober Ali were martyred. The ISPR said five other soldiers were injured in the attack.

The statement added that the area has been cordoned off and a clearance operation is under way to locate any terrorists.

Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar condemned the attack and said he was ‘heartbroken’ by the incident.

“Such acts are utterly reprehensible,” he said. “Pakistan stands resolute against such terror.”