A Pakistan Army soldier was martyred, and seven terrorists were killed in two separate military engagements in North Waziristan. The operations occurred between December 10 and 11, as stated by the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
According to ISPR, security forces launched an operation in the Miran Shah area of North Waziristan. The action targeted the “reported presence of khwarij [terrorists]” in the region. The terrorists’ location was effectively engaged by the forces, resulting in the elimination of four khwarij during the operation.
In another confrontation in the Spinwam area, security personnel took down three more terrorists. However, during the intense exchange of gunfire, Lance Naik Muhammad Amin, a 34-year-old soldier from Faisalabad, embraced martyrdom.
The ISPR reported that a sanitization operation is ongoing to clear the area of any remaining kharji. The security forces reiterated their commitment to eradicating terrorism in Pakistan and ensuring peace.
Pakistan continues to face a surge in terrorist activities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. This rise in violence is linked to the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces.
A report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) revealed alarming statistics on terrorism in Pakistan. The third quarter of 2024 (July-September) witnessed a 90% increase in violence compared to earlier periods.
During this time, 722 people, including civilians, security personnel, and outlaws, lost their lives. An additional 615 individuals were injured in 328 incidents of terrorist violence and counter-terrorism operations.
The report highlighted that nearly 97% of these deaths occurred in KP and Balochistan, marking the highest rate in a decade. Over 92% of terrorist incidents and security force operations were also recorded in these two provinces.
The total fatalities in 2024’s first three quarters have already surpassed those of the entire year of 2023. By September, the death toll had reached 1,534, compared to 1,523 fatalities recorded last year.
Terrorist groups continue to regroup and strengthen their numbers. Many attacks remain unclaimed by insurgent groups, likely for strategic reasons. The ISPR and other agencies are determined to counter these threats and bring lasting stability to the country.
