At least six Pakistan army soldiers were martyred during an exchange of fire with terrorists in the South Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations said on Tuesday.

“Sanitization of the area is being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area,” the armed forces media wing said in a statement.

Pakistan has been fighting a fresh increase in militancy, with banned organisations claiming attacks on law enforcement agencies and political gatherings.

The outlawed TTP claimed responsibility saying its fighters had ambushed two military vehicles, Reuters reported.

The gun battle between Pakistan’s security forces and terrorists occurred in the general area of Asman Manza in the tribal district.

“Own troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location and resultantly four terrorists were sent to hell, while two terrorists were injured,” it said, “however, during an intense exchange of fire, six brave soldiers having fought gallantly, embraced Shahadat.”

The armed forces said that they were determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of soldiers further strengthen their resolve.

At least 13 labourers were killed and two sustained injuries in an explosion in the Shawal area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district on August 20.

The incident took place near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The van in which the labourers were travelling was completely destroyed by the blast.