Three Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred in the Arawali area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district on Thursday during a gunfight with terrorists, according to a press release from the military’s media wing.

The statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) identified the martyrs as 42-year-old Subedar Shuja Muhammad from Khairpur, 32-year-old Naik Muhammad Ramzan from Khuzdar, and 30-year-old Sepoy Abdul Rehman from Sukkur.

“On 29 December 22, an exchange of fire took place between terrorists and security forces in the general area of Arawali, Kurram District. Own troops fought bravely and effectively engaged the terrorists’ location,” the ISPR said.

“During an intense exchange of fire, two terrorists were killed. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorists,” it said, adding that the killed terrorists remained actively involved in terror activities against security forces.

The statement added that sanitisation of the area was being carried out to eliminate any terrorists found in the area.

“Pakistan Army is determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” the military’s media wing concluded.

‘Entire nation pays tribute to martyrs’

In a tweet, Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the entire nation paid tribute to the soldiers martyred today.

“Undoubtedly, the sacrifices of the Pakistan Army soldiers for the protection of the country and the nation from terrorists are unforgettable,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Arif Alvi extended heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of the bereaved and prayed for the high ranks of the martyrs.

In a tweet, he reiterated Pakistan’s “unwavering commitment” toward eliminating the menace of terrorism and lauded the efforts of the security forces in this regard.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed regret over the Kurram attack and paid tribute to the security forces.

“Our war against terrorism will continue until the last terrorist standing is eliminated,” he said in a statement. “The martyred youths gave their lives for the nation, their sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

Today’s incident comes as Pakistan is seeing an uptick in terrorist attacks across the country after the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its months-long ceasefire with the government last month.

Recent weeks and months have seen a resurgence of militancy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the southern belt, and merged districts, with increasing intensity of attacks on law enforcement personnel.