"During the exchange of fire heavy losses were inflicted on to the terrorists in men and materials," the military's media wing stated. "During the process, 5 brave soldiers of FC Balochistan also embraced shahadat [martyrdom],"  Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement as quoted by Dawn News.

According to the ISPR, the deceased soldiers were identified as Havildar Zafar Ali Khan; resident of Lakki Marvat, Lance Naik Hidayatullah; resident of Lakki Marvat, Lance Naik Nasir Abbas; resident of Bhakkar, Lance Naik Basheer Ahmed; resident of Naseerabad and Sepoy Noor Ullah; resident of Lakki Marvat.

Security officials are currently conducting operations in the area.

"Such cowardly acts by inimical elements, backed by hostile intelligence agencies cannot sabotage the hard-earned peace and prosperity in Balochistan. Security forces are determined to neutralize their nefarious designs even at the cost of blood and lives," further said the ISPR.