India hits back at Pakistan over terror accusation 

Islamabad has accused New Delhi of being behind an attack in North Waziristan that killed 13 troops and three civilians

India has rejected Pakistan’s accusation that it was behind a deadly terrorist attack in North Waziristan District earlier that day, calling the claim “false and malicious,” according to a statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. This comes after Islamabad accused New Delhi of sponsoring terrorism following an attack on Saturday morning in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province which borders Afghanistan.

In the attack, a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a military convoy, followed by indiscriminate firing. The Pakistan Army said 13 soldiers were killed and three civilians injured, including two children. AFP news agency initially reported, citing the authorities, that 29 civilians were injured in the attack.

Hours after the incident, the Pakistan Army’s Inter-Services Public Relations wing issued a statement accusing India of backing the terrorists: “In a cowardly attack, planned and orchestrated by the terrorist state of India and executed by its proxy Fitna al Khwarij, a Security Forces convoy was targeted today in the general area of Mir Ali, North Waziristan District.” 

It went on to say: “The security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain steadfast in their resolve to eradicate Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers and innocent civilians further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs.”