Deadly Clashes in Bajaur, South Waziristan Leave 12 Soldiers Martyred, 35 Militants Dead

12 Soldiers Martyred, 35 Militants Killed in KP Operations: ISPR

RAWALPINDI, September 13(Ali Imran Chattha)

At least 12 Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred and 35 militants killed in a series of intelligence-based operations (IBOs) carried out in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past three days, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The military’s media wing said that between September 10 and 13, security forces conducted coordinated operations in Bajaur and South Waziristan districts, targeting militant hideouts linked to recent terrorist attacks.

In Bajaur, forces engaged heavily armed fighters, killing 22 militants. In South Waziristan, another 13 terrorists were neutralised during fierce clashes that also claimed the lives of 12 soldiers. Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were recovered during the raids.

The ISPR described the slain fighters as members of “Fitna al-Khawarij”, adding that they were Indian-sponsored terrorists. It further alleged that Afghan nationals had been physically involved in orchestrating cross-border terrorism, reflecting what it called a “continuing pattern of hostile external facilitation.”

Officials emphasised that the operations were part of ongoing efforts to eliminate militancy in the region and reiterated the military’s resolve to root out terrorism “at all costs.”

The clashes highlight the persistence of militant activity along Pakistan’s northwestern frontier, despite years of counter-terrorism campaigns. Independent reports confirmed the heavy casualties on both sides, noting that the latest encounters were among the deadliest for security forces in recent months.

Funeral prayers for the martyred soldiers were offered with full military honours, while senior officers paid tribute to their sacrifice. The ISPR stated that the nation “remains indebted” to those who laid down their lives in defence of the countr