Five soldiers were martyred in an exchange of fire with terrorists in the general area of Buleda, Kech district in Balochistan on Saturday, the military’s media wing said.

The martyred soldiers were identified as Sepoy Tipu Razzaq, 23, a resident of the Sahiwal district, Sepoy Sunny Shaukat, 24, a resident of Karachi, Sepoy Shafi Ullah, 23, a resident of the Lasbela district, Lance Naik Tariq Ali, 25, a resident of Orakzai district, and Sepoy Muhammad Tariq Khan, 25, a resident of Mianwali district.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations said that during an operation conducted by the security forces in the general area of Buleda, terrorists exploded an improvised explosive device on a security forces’ vehicle, which was followed by an intense fire exchange.

Troops responded and effectively engaged the terrorists’ location as a result of which three terrorists were killed, it added.

Sanitization operation was being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area.

“Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts of sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan, and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” it said.