Seven soldiers were martyred in a gun attack on a Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan post in Harnai district of Balochistan, the military’s media wing said on Sunday.

“During [an] intense exchange of fire, seven brave soldiers embraced shahadat while repulsing raiding terrorists,” an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said.

It said the area had been cordoned off and escape routes blocked to apprehend the fleeing miscreants.

Terrorists fire raid on Frontier Corps Balochistan post in Sharig, Harnai, Balochistan late last night. During intense exchange of fire, 7 brave soldiers embraced shahadat while repulsing raiding terrorists. Area has been cordoned off and escape routes have been blocked (1/3)

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 27, 2020

In a tweet, Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was “saddened to hear of” the soldiers’ martyrdom in the attack.

Saddened to hear of 7 brave soldiers martyrdom as a result of terrorist attack on FC post in Harnai Balochistan late last night. My heartfelt condolences & prayers go to their families. Our nation stands with our courageous soldiers who face attacks from Indian backed terrorists.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 27, 2020

“My heartfelt condolences & prayers go to their families. Our nation stands with our courageous soldiers who face attacks from Indian backed terrorists,” he wrote.

“Such cowardly acts by inimical elements backed by anti-state forces will not be allowed to sabotage hard-earned peace and prosperity in Balochistan,” the ISPR said, adding that security forces were determined to “thwart their nefarious designs at all costs”.