Four Soldiers Martyred, 15 Terrorists Killed in Counter-Terrorism Operations in KP

Islamabad: Four Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred, and 15 terrorists were killed in two separate counter-terrorism operations conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing reported on Saturday.

According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces launched an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Hathala area of Dera Ismail Khan District following reports of terrorist activity. During the operation, troops effectively engaged the militants, eliminating nine terrorists, including key leaders identified as Farman alias Saqib, Amanullah alias Toori, Saeed alias Liaqat, and Bilal. The ISPR noted that these individuals were involved in multiple terrorist activities and were highly wanted by law enforcement agencies.

In a separate operation in the Miran Shah area of North Waziristan District, six terrorists were neutralized by security forces. However, in the ensuing exchange of fire, four soldiers, including Lieutenant Muhammad Hassaan Arshaf, lost their lives while fighting valiantly. The other fallen soldiers were identified as Naib Subedar Muhammad Bilal, Sepoy Farhat Ullah, and Sepoy Himat Khan.

Following the operations, security forces launched sanitization efforts to clear the areas of any remaining threats.

“The Pakistan Army remains resolute in its mission to eradicate terrorism from the country. The sacrifices of our brave soldiers only strengthen our commitment to this cause,” the ISPR statement affirmed.

These counter-terrorism efforts come amid a rising wave of militant attacks in Pakistan, 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), terror incidents surged by 42% in January 2025 compared to the previous month. At least 74 militant attacks were recorded nationwide, resulting in 91 fatalities, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Additionally, 117 individuals sustained injuries, comprising 53 security personnel, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.

The recent operations highlight Pakistan’s ongoing battle against terrorism as security forces intensify efforts to counter the escalating threat.