RAWALPINDI: Four Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred, and 15 terrorists were killed in two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing reported on Saturday.
According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the first intelligence-based operation (IBO) was conducted in the Hathala area of Dera Ismail Khan District, based on reports of terrorist presence. Security forces effectively targeted the terrorists, killing nine, including key leaders Farman aka Saqib, Amanullah aka Toori, Saeed aka Liaqat, and Bilal.
These terrorists were involved in multiple attacks and were highly wanted by law enforcement agencies.
In another operation in Miran Shah, North Waziristan, security forces neutralized six terrorists. However, during an intense exchange of fire, Lieutenant Muhammad Hassaan Arshaf, a resident of Lahore, bravely led his troops and embraced martyrdom along with Naib Subedar Muhammad Bilal, Sepoy Farhat Ullah, and Sepoy Himat Khan.
The statement added that sanitization operations were ongoing to eliminate any remaining threats.
“Pakistan’s security forces remain determined to eradicate terrorism from the country, and the sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” the ISPR concluded.
These operations are part of Pakistan’s ongoing counter-terrorism efforts amid a rise in violent attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021.
According to data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), there was a 42% surge in terror attacks in January 2025 compared to the previous month.
The report recorded 74 militant attacks nationwide, resulting in 91 fatalities, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Another 117 individuals were injured, including 53 security personnel, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained the most affected province, followed by Balochistan. In settled areas of KP, 27 attacks led to 19 deaths, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and two militants.
Meanwhile, 19 attacks occurred in the tribal districts of KP (erstwhile FATA), resulting in 46 deaths, including 13 security personnel, eight civilians, and 25 militants.
