Bannu: At least 35 militants and 12 army soldiers were killed in two separate operations in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province of north Pakistan. The militants reportedly belonged to "Indian Proxy," as stated by Pakistan military's media wing, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
According to Kuwait News Agency, during an intelligence-based operation in the Bajaur tribal district of KPK, security forces effectively engaged the militants, resulting in the death of 22 "Indian sponsored" militants. In a separate encounter in the South Waziristan tribal district, 13 more militants were neutralized. However, 12 soldiers "embraced martyrdom" during these operations, the military confirmed. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the militants, who were allegedly involved in various terrorist activities in the region.
The military statement highlighted concerns about the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan, urging the Interim Afghan Government to prevent such actions. The statement also mentioned ongoing sanitization operations to eliminate remaining militants. These efforts are part of Pakistan's determination to eradicate "Indian Sponsored Terrorism" from the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited Bannu district to attend a high-level counter-terrorism meeting and the funeral prayers of the martyred soldiers. A statement from the PM House emphasized Pakistan's unwavering response to terrorism and the need for decisive action against terrorist leaders operating from Afghan soil. The Prime Minister underscored the role of infiltrated Afghan nationals in terrorist activities and called for the repatriation of illegal Afghan residents in Pakistan.
During their visit, the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal also extended support to the injured soldiers receiving treatment at a military hospital in Bannu.