ISLAMABAD: Three soldiers were martyred in the Dewagar area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district during an exchange of fire with terrorists from across the Afghan border.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday, the terrorists opened fire on Pakistani troops from across the Afghan border and the latter responded in a befitting manner. “As per credible intelligence reports, due to fire of own troops, terrorists suffered heavy casualties,” the ISPR said, adding that three soldiers embraced martyrdom after fighting gallantly.

The martyred soldiers have been identified as 30-year-old Havaldar Taimoor, a resident of Jhelum; 38-year-old Naik Shoaib, a resident of Attock; and 24-year-old Sepoy Saqib Nawaz, a resident of Sialkot.

Pakistan strongly condemns the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for activities against Pakistan and expects that the Afghan government will not allow conduct of such activities in the future, “the ISPR said. It said Pakistan Army is determined to defend Pakistan’s borders against the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve.