President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday condemned the deadly terror attack in northwestern Pakistan that killed 13 soldiers, reaffirming Turkiye’s unwavering support for its close ally in combating terrorism.
In a statement shared on social media, Erdoğan extended his condolences to the people and government of Pakistan, describing the incident as a “heinous” act of violence. “Türkiye will continue supporting its old friend Pakistan in its counterterrorism efforts as it has always done. We will stand with our brothers in their difficult times just as we did in their days of joy,” he wrote.
The suicide bombing took place Saturday in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan, near the Afghan border. According to Pakistan’s military, 14 terrorists were killed in a retaliatory operation following the attack, which also severely injured three civilians—two children and a woman.
In a strongly worded statement, the Pakistani army accused India of orchestrating the attack through a proxy group it identified as Fitna al Khwarij. “In a cowardly attack, planned and orchestrated by the terrorist state of India… a security forces convoy was targeted,” the statement alleged.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected the claim outright. “We reject this statement with the contempt it deserves,” the ministry said, calling the allegations baseless.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack and praised the military’s swift response. A local militant group loyal to Hafiz Gul Bahadar has claimed responsibility for the bombing.
Pakistan has long blamed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants—allegedly operating from Afghan soil—for attacks inside the country. However, the Taliban-led Afghan government denies any such activity is conducted from its territory.
Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement condemning the attack and expressing solidarity. “We strongly condemn this heinous attack, wish Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives, and a speedy recovery to the injured,” it said.
Türkiye and Pakistan enjoy historically close diplomatic and defense relations, often supporting one another on regional issues. Their alliance has occasionally sparked reactions from India, especially during periods of heightened tensions with Pakistan.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
