The ongoing conflict between the Pakistani army and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has intensified. Recent military operations in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan have resulted in significant casualties, with at least 12 soldiers and 35 terrorists confirmed dead. This information was disclosed by the military on September 13th.
The Pakistan Army reported that the operations, which occurred over the last four days in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, led to the deaths of 12 soldiers. The army also stated that they eliminated 35 terrorists affiliated with the TTP during these operations.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, stated that the operations took place in the districts of Bajaur and South Waziristan. In Bajaur, an operation based on intelligence led to an encounter between security forces and terrorists, resulting in the killing of 22 TTP terrorists. In a separate operation in South Waziristan, 13 terrorists were killed, while 12 Pakistani soldiers lost their lives in the ensuing gunfire.
Weapons and ammunition were seized from the terrorists, according to ISPR. The ISPR has also alleged the involvement of Afghan nationals in these terrorist acts. The Pakistani military expressed its expectation that the Taliban government in Afghanistan would take measures to prevent its territory from being used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.
Search operations continue in the area to eliminate remaining terrorists. Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terrorism since the TTP ended a ceasefire agreement with the government in November 2022 and vowed to escalate attacks. The resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2021 has contributed to increased terrorist activities in border regions. In the current year, 460 people, mainly security personnel, have been killed in attacks by armed groups in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.