A suicide bombing targeted a security forces convoy in Balochistan on Sunday, resulting in the martyrdom of five people including three soldiers. However, three terrorists were also killed in response.

The convoy included a total of eight vehicles and was travelling from Nokundi to Quetta. However, a bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy near Noshki.

“A vehicle borne suicide bomber exploded himself on a security forces convoy in Nushki District,” Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement.

As a result of the attack, three soldiers, identified as Havildar Manzoor Ali, Havildar Ali Bilawal and Naik Abdul Raheem, and two civilian drivers, Jalal ud Din and Muhammad Naeem were martyred. News outlets reported that at least 40 troops were injured in the attack as well.

“In the ensuing sanitization operation, the terrorists were pursued and after intense fire exchange, three terrorists were effectively neutralized by the security forces,” ISPR said. The statement added that sanitization operations will continue in the area and ‘perpetrators of this henious and cowardly act will be brought to justice’.

The attack comes soon after terrorists hijacked the Jaffar Express travelling from Quetta to Peshawar, near Sibi. A total of 26 people lost their lives in the attack before security forces launched a rescue operation, eliminating 33 terrrorists.