11 soldiers, 19 militants killed in Pakistan border clash

At least 11 Pakistani soldiers and 19 militants were killed in a fierce pre-dawn gunbattle on Wednesday after security forces raided a Pakistani Taliban (TTP) hideout near the Afghan border, the military said.

The operation took place in Orakzai district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a region long plagued by insurgent activity, reports AP.

According to a military statement, the slain fighters were described as “Khwarij,” a term used for militants allegedly backed by India, including operatives from the TTP and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

The Pakistani Taliban later claimed responsibility for the assault on security forces.

Islamabad has repeatedly accused New Delhi of supporting separatist movements in Balochistan and militant groups within Pakistan—allegations India denies.

Militant attacks have sharply increased in recent years, mostly claimed by the TTP, which has grown more active since the Afghan Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021. Many of its leaders and fighters are believed to operate from sanctuaries across the Afghan border.