Four Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred while five others were critically injured after militants launched a “dastardly attack” on the Zhob garrison in northern Balochistan during the early hours of Wednesday, the military’s media affairs wing said.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that terrorists’ initial attempt “to sneak into the facility was checked by soldiers on duty”.

“In ensuing heavy exchange of fire, the terrorists have been contained into a small area at the boundary,” the ISPR said, adding that three “heavily armed terrorists” had been killed so far.

“A clearance operation by security forces is under way to apprehend remaining two terrorists as well,” the statement said.

“Security forces remain determined to thwart all such ghastly attempts at destroying peace of Balochistan and Pakistan,” it added.

Earlier today, Zhob District Commissioner (DC) Azeem Kakar had told Dawn.com that the cantonment area in Zhob was under attack.

He further said that a woman civilian was killed after being caught in the crossfire while five other civilians were left injured. The official added that the severely injured were being referred to Quetta.

DC Kakar said that a passenger bus coming from Dera Ismail Khan was also caught in the firing. He added that “nothing can be said about the number of attackers”, and asserted that all departments were on alert and an operation was under way.

Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo condemned the attack on the Zhob garrison and paid tribute to the Pakistan Army for thwarting it by taking swift action.

In a statement, he said that the nation was proud of the sacrifices made by the martyrs and also offered his condolences to their families. “Pakistan Army is the guarantor of peace and security in the region,” the chief minister said.

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah also condemned the attack in a statement issued later in the afternoon.

According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), he said the courageous personnel of the security forces sacrificed their lives to prevent “a major catastrophe” and successfully sent “three terrorists to their ultimate fate”.

“I pray for the elevation of the security personnel who embraced martyrdom,” Sanaullah stated, adding that the government would not rest until terrorism was completely eradicated.

The minister further said that the sacrifices of the armed forces would always be remembered and the entire nation stood in solidarity with the families of the martyrs.