At least four soldiers were martyred in an exchange of fire with terrorists in the Mir Ali area of the North Waziristan district, the Inter-Services Public Relations said on Friday.

According to the statement, “Havaldar Munawar, 40, resident of Bahawalnagar, Sepoy Zaka Ullah, 31, resident of Laki Marwat, Sepoy Farhan, 34 years, resident of Kohat, Sepoy Sheraz, 30 years, resident of Abbottabad, embraced martyrdom during the intense exchange of fire.”

Sharing images of the martyred soldiers, with what appeared to be life jackets photoshopped into their portraits, the ISPR said that one terrorist was apprehended during the intelligence-based operation in the area on the “reported presence of terrorists.” Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the terrorist’s possession, it read.

The ISPR did not specify what, if any organization, the terrorists belonged to or what their aims were.

Reacting to the incident, Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed his sorrow over the martyrdom of the soldiers. In a statement, he lauded the Pakistan army for its services in countering terrorism.

“The whole nation is united in this war. The coward enemy is fighting against a brave nation, which has been steadfast in every difficulty,” PM Imran said.

Separately, the armed forces media wing said that at least two terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation in the Tank area of Dera Ismail Khan in the reported presence of terrorists.

“The terrorists were identified as Shahzeb alias Zakir and Daniyal,” read the statement, adding that weapons and ammunition were also recovered from their possession.