A Pakistan Army soldier was martyred, and 12 militants were killed during an intelligence-based North Waziristan operation, the military’s media wing reported on Thursday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces launched the operation in Hassan Khel after receiving reports about the presence of extremists in the area.
During the North Waziristan operation, troops engaged the militants effectively. As a result, 12 terrorists were neutralized. However, during the intense exchange of fire, Lance Naik Muhammad Ibrahim, 34, a brave soldier from District Hangu, lost his life while fighting valiantly.
The ISPR stated that weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants. These individuals were involved in numerous attacks against security forces and targeted innocent civilians. After the operation, security teams continued sweeping the area to eliminate any remaining threats.
The Pakistan Army reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating terrorism. The military emphasized that such sacrifices strengthen the nation’s resolve to eliminate this menace. The North Waziristan operation is part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts amid rising militant attacks in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
According to data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), terrorist incidents surged by 42% in January 2025. At least 74 militant attacks occurred across the country, leading to 91 deaths. The casualties included 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Additionally, 117 people sustained injuries, among them 53 security personnel, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained the most affected region, followed by Balochistan. In KP’s settled districts, 27 attacks resulted in 19 deaths, including 11 security officials, six civilians, and two militants. The former tribal districts saw 19 attacks, leading to 46 casualties, including 13 security personnel, eight civilians, and 25 extremists.
Balochistan also faced increased militant activity. The province recorded 24 attacks, causing 26 fatalities, including 11 security officials, six civilians, and nine militants. Punjab witnessed two attacks, with one security officer injured. A major assault on a police checkpoint in DG Khan’s Jhangi area was thwarted by security forces. Sindh and Islamabad each reported one attack, though neither resulted in fatalities.
The month also saw two suicide bombings in Balochistan. The banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for one, while the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) admitted to the other.
Pakistan’s security forces remain committed to eliminating militant threats. The North Waziristan operation highlights the continuous battle against terrorism and the sacrifices made to protect the nation.
