"Terrorists targeted Frontier Corps troops employed for [the] security of Margat Mines" using an IED, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) was quoted as saying by Dawn News.

The dead security officials were identified as Subedar Sardar All Khan and sepoys Musaddaf Hussain, Muhammad Anwar and Awais Khan.

Security forces launched an operation after the incident.

“Such cowardly acts by inimical elements cannot sabotage the hard-earned peace and prosperity in Balochistan,” the ISPR said.

Opposition leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif condemned the incident and tweeted: "Deeply saddened by the news of martyrdom of 4 FC personnel including JCO in an IED attack on Marget-Quetta road today. It is highly concerning that Balochistan is a target of renewed terrorist attacks. My heartfelt condolences & sympathies go out the families of Shuhada!"