The ongoing conflict between the Pakistani military and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has resulted in heavy casualties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. During two separate military operations in the northwestern province, at least 12 Pakistani soldiers and 35 terrorists were killed. The military made the announcement on Saturday, September 13th.
The Pakistan Army reported that over the past four days, the operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa resulted in the loss of 12 soldiers. The army also stated that it killed 35 TTP terrorists during these operations.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, stated that these operations took place in the Bajaur and South Waziristan districts. An intelligence-led operation in Bajaur led to an encounter between security forces and terrorists, resulting in the deaths of 22 TTP terrorists. In South Waziristan, a separate operation resulted in the killing of 13 terrorists, while 12 Pakistani soldiers lost their lives in the fighting.
ISPR also stated that weapons and ammunition were recovered from the terrorists. The ISPR alleged that Afghan nationals were involved in the terrorist activities and expressed hope that the Taliban government in Afghanistan would prevent its territory from being used for attacks against Pakistan.
Search operations are continuing to eliminate other terrorists in the area. Pakistan has seen a rise in terrorism since the TTP ended a ceasefire agreement with the government in November 2022 and vowed to increase attacks. Terrorist activities have intensified in the border areas since the Taliban’s return to Afghanistan in 2021. This year, armed group attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have claimed the lives of 460 people, mostly security forces personnel.