Six Soldiers Martyred, 12 Terrorists Killed in Waziristan Operations

As many as six soldiers were martyred, and 12 terrorists killed in two separate encounters with security forces in North and South Waziristan, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday.

The military’s media wing reported that on September 19 and 20, 2024, fierce clashes took place between Pakistani troops and terrorists in the North and South Waziristan districts, resulting in the elimination of 12 militants, referred to as “Khwarij.”

Operation in North Waziristan

In the first incident, the security forces detected the movement of seven terrorists attempting to infiltrate Pakistan via the Afghanistan border in the Spinwam area of North Waziristan. The militants were surrounded by the security personnel and eliminated in a heavy exchange of fire. A large cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives was recovered from the terrorists, ISPR said in its statement.

Second Encounter in South Waziristan

The second incident occurred in the general area of Ladha, South Waziristan, where a group of militants launched an attack on a security forces post. Pakistani troops bravely defended the post, killing five terrorists. However, six soldiers embraced martyrdom during the intense firefight, the ISPR added.

“These brave sons of the soil fought gallantly, paying the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and security of the nation,” the military’s statement read.

Ongoing Operations and Government’s Resolve

Sanitisation operations are currently underway to eliminate any remaining terrorist elements in the region. The ISPR reiterated the security forces’ commitment to eradicating terrorism from Pakistan, emphasizing that the sacrifices of the soldiers only strengthen their resolve.

The latest operation comes as part of an intensified counter-terrorism campaign in the country. The federal government recently classified the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as “Fitna al-Khawarij” as part of a broader ideological shift in its war on terror.

Rising Terrorist Attacks and National Security Concerns

Pakistan has been grappling with rising incidents of terrorism, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the return of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan in 2021. Last month, a series of deadly terror attacks in Balochistan claimed the lives of 50 people, including 14 security personnel, prompting security forces to step up operations across the region.

Data from the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) shows a significant increase in violent incidents, with attacks in KP and Balochistan rising from 38 in July to 59 in August 2024.

Operation Azm-e-Istehkam

In response to the growing threat, the federal cabinet approved Operation Azm-e-Istehkam earlier this year. This national counter-terrorism campaign, part of the National Action Plan, aims to decisively root out terrorism from the country.