Pakistan, June 29 -- Thirteen soldiers were martyred and three civilians injured, including two children and a woman, in a suicide bombing targeting a security forces convoy in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan, the military's media wing said on Saturday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attack was carried out using an explosive-laden vehicle that struck the lead vehicle of the convoy after an initial suicide bomber was intercepted.

"A vehicle-borne suicide bomber attempted to detonate himself near the security forces convoy but was intercepted by the leading group, foiling his nefarious design," the ISPR said. "However, in their desperation, an explosive-laden vehicle was rammed into...