Pakistani security forces killed 22 armed fighters in a series of “counterterrorism” operations across the northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), reported Saturday. Six Pakistani soldiers were killed in the operations.
In the first operation, security forces targeted suspected fighters in the Gul Imam area of Tank district. The raid, based on intelligence reports, resulted in nine guerilla fighters killed and six others injured. In a separate operation in North Waziristan, 10 armed combatants were neutralized as part of efforts to dismantle anti-government networks.
This holiday season, give to:
Truth and understanding
The Media Line's intrepid correspondents are in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Pakistan providing first-person reporting.
They all said they cover it.
We see it.
We report with just one agenda: the truth.
The third encounter took place in the Thall area of Hangu district, where security forces intercepted an attempted attack on a military checkpoint. Three members of armed groups were killed in the clash, which also claimed the lives of six soldiers.
The ISPR noted that “sanitization operations” are ongoing to remove any remaining threats in the affected areas. The military reiterated its determination to eliminate “terrorism,” stating that the sacrifices of its personnel reinforce the nation’s resolve.
Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban of providing safe havens to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan fighters, allegations Kabul has denied. To address these security concerns, the government recently reappointed Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq as special envoy to Afghanistan, tasked with tackling cross-border incursions and fostering regional cooperation.