Sixteen soldiers were martyred in a terrorist attack on a security forces check post in the general area of Makeen, South Waziristan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.

“The attempt was effectively thwarted by own troops and in ensuing fire exchange, eight khwarij were killed,” the Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement.

A sanitization operation was carried out in the area, and those responsible for the act will be held accountable.

“Pakistan’s security forces are committed to eradicating terrorism, and the sacrifices of our brave personnel only reinforce our determination,” ISPR said.