The Pakistan Army's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, said the incident occurred when an improvised explosive device detonated on a security forces vehicle in Kurram district.

The soldiers, aged between 24 and 33, came from different parts of the country, Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, and the statement did not attribute it to any specific entity.

The statement said an investigation is underway to eliminate any terrorists present in the area and the perpetrators of the attack will be brought to justice.