A fierce encounter took place between terrorists and security forces in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, resulting in the deaths of 11 Pakistani soldiers. The TTP has claimed responsibility for this attack. In retaliation, 19 terrorists were killed, and the army has launched a search operation in the area.
Pakistan: Eleven Pakistani soldiers were killed in a fierce encounter between terrorists and security forces in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, located near the Afghan border. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for this attack. According to the army, the deceased soldiers included two officers. The attack occurred when a military convoy was passing through the northwestern Kurram district, and terrorists targeted it with a roadside bomb.
Ambush and Explosion
Pakistani security officials stated that terrorists first detonated a roadside bomb and then opened fire on the convoy. The attack was sudden and pre-planned. Following this attack, the Pakistani army launched a retaliatory operation against terrorist hideouts in the nearby Orakzai district. The army issued a statement announcing that 19 terrorists were killed in this operation. The encounter lasted throughout the night, and security forces conducted extensive search operations in several areas.
Martyred Officers and Soldiers
According to the army, the slain soldiers included 39-year-old Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif and 33-year-old Major Tayyab Rahat. Both officers held high positions in the Pakistan Army and had played roles in numerous operations. In addition to them, nine other soldiers were martyred. The army stated that these soldiers sacrificed their lives for the security of the country, and their martyrdom would not be in vain.
TTP Claims Responsibility for Attack
Speaking to Reuters, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack. This organization has long been carrying out attacks against the Pakistani army and government. The TTP's goal is to implement its radical Islamic governance system in Pakistan. The group's attacks have significantly increased in recent months, with heightened activities particularly in the regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Growing Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The TTP has intensified its attacks on security forces over the past year. The Pakistani government states that the group is using Afghan soil for training and planning attacks from there. Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Kabul government to take strict action against these terrorist groups, but the Afghan Taliban administration has not taken any concrete steps so far.
Retaliatory Operation in Orakzai
Following the attack, the Pakistani army launched a large-scale retaliatory operation in the Orakzai district. The army stated that this operation was conducted based on intelligence, destroying several terrorist hideouts. According to the army, a total of 19 gunmen were killed in the encounter. The operation continued until late Tuesday night, and the situation was brought under control by Wednesday morning. The army described it as a “successful action.”
Increased Violence in Tribal Areas
The tribal areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have witnessed a continuous increase in violence and terrorist attacks in recent months. Last month, 12 Pakistani soldiers were killed in a clash with terrorists in South Waziristan. A few days prior, the army had bombed TTP hideouts in a village in the same province. There were also reports of several civilian casualties in that attack.
Atmosphere of Fear Among Locals
Due to these continuous attacks, an atmosphere of fear prevails among local residents. People in many villages are leaving their homes for safer locations. Local residents reported hearing gunshots and explosions frequently in the area. People are now concerned about their safety as encounters between the army and terrorists have become common.
Increased Challenges for the Government
The escalating violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has become a major challenge for the Pakistani government. This region has become the biggest bhold of terrorism for the army and paramilitary forces. The government had claimed to have brought terrorism under control, but recent attacks have cast doubt on the veracity of these claims. Pressure is now mounting on the government to take concrete steps in this region and ensure the safety of its citizens.
History of Terrorist Attacks
The TTP was established in 2007, and since then, this organization has carried out several major attacks against Pakistan. The group has targeted the army, police, and government installations. The 2014 attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, which killed more than 140 children and teachers, shocked the entire nation. The government subsequently launched large-scale military operations, but the group has become active again.
