QUETTA: Two soldiers were martyred in an armed attack at a security checkpoint close to the border with Iran in Kech district, according to the military’s media wing.

The attack took place in the Singwan area at the Pak-Iran border on Thursday.

According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), terrorists, armed with heavy weapons, opened fire at the checkpoint.

The security personnel “responded gallantly” and successfully pushed back the terrorists.

Militants armed with heavy weapons targeted checkpoint in Kech district, says ISPR

The martyred soldiers were identified as Sepoy Hasnain Ishtiaq, 34, from Dera Ghazi Khan and Sepoy Inayatullah, 27, from Jhal Magsi.

ISPR added that a sanitisation operation has been launched in the area to eradicate any remaining militants.

Iranian authorities have also been contacted to thwart any attempt by militants to escape into the neighbouring country.

“Security forces, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging peace and stability all along the borders in Balochistan,” ISPR said.

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah condemned the attack and expressed profound grief over the loss of lives.

In a statement, the chief minister paid homage to the martyred soldiers. He also reiterated the government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism.