Three soldiers embraced martyrdom, and 19 terrorists were killed in three separate military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the military’s media wing. The operations were carried out on January 6 and 7, as confirmed by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The martyred soldiers were identified as Lance Havaldar Abbas Ali, 38, from Ghizer, Naik Muhammad Nazir, 37, from Skardu, and Naik Muhammad Usman, 37, from Attock. They lost their lives during an exchange of fire with terrorists in Karak. During this operation, three members of the banned group Fitna Al Khawarij were eliminated.
In another operation, security forces acted on intelligence reports about the presence of Khawarij in the general area of Matani, Peshawar district. Troops effectively targeted the location, killing eight Khawarij.
A third intelligence-based operation was conducted in the Baizai area of Mohmand district. In this exchange of fire, eight more terrorists were neutralized by the security forces, the ISPR confirmed.
Sanitisation operations are ongoing to ensure no terrorists remain in these regions. According to the ISPR, Pakistan’s security forces remain committed to eradicating terrorism and restoring peace. “Such sacrifices by our brave soldiers strengthen our resolve to eliminate this menace,” the statement read.
Pakistan continues to grapple with an increase in militant activities along its western border. The violence has escalated since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021.
The Center for Research and Security Studies, based in Islamabad, reported that 2023 witnessed the highest number of casualties in six years. Over 1,500 people, including civilians, security forces, and militants, lost their lives.
On December 21, 2024, 16 soldiers were martyred in a terrorist attack on a security forces check post in Makeen, South Waziristan district.
