Thirteen soldiers were martyred and three civilians injured, including two children and a woman, in a suicide bombing targeting a security forces convoy in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attack was carried out using an explosive-laden vehicle that struck the lead vehicle of the convoy after an initial suicide bomber was intercepted.

The military said that the attack was planned and orchestrated by India and executed by “its proxy terrorists.”

In the aftermath of the attack, security forces launched a sanitisation operation in the area. “During the ensuing exchange of fire, 14 terrorists were killed,” the statement said, adding that the operation was still ongoing to eliminate any remaining threats.

Read More: Four servicemen martyred in Waziristan

The soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty were identified as Subedar Zahid Iqbal (45, Karak), Havildar Sohrab Khan (39, Naseerabad), Havildar Mian Yousaf (41, Buner), Naik Khitab Shah (34, Lower Dir), Lance Naik Ismail (32, Naseerabad), Sepoy Rohail (30, Mirpur Khas), Sepoy Muhammad Ramzan (33, Dera Ghazi Khan), Sepoy Nawab (30, Quetta), Sepoy Zubair Ahmed (24, Naseerabad), Sepoy Muhammad Sahki (31, Dera Ghazi Khan), Sepoy Hashim Abbasi (20, Abbottabad), Sepoy Muddasir Ejaz (25, Layyah), and Sepoy Manzar Ali (23, Mardan).

The military stated that the injured civilians were provided immediate medical assistance, and further updates on their condition would follow.

“The security forces of Pakistan, along with the nation, remain resolute in their determination to eliminate terrorism from the country,” the ISPR said, adding that the sacrifices of soldiers and civilians “further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation at all costs.”