Clashes near Afghan border kill 12 Pakistani soldiers, 35 militants

At least 12 Pakistani soldiers and 35 militants were killed during intense clashes near the Afghan border, the Pakistani military confirmed Saturday.

The confrontations followed raids conducted over the past two days on two hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province’s Bajaur and South Waziristan districts. The military said 22 militants were killed in Bajaur, while 13 were killed in South Waziristan.

The military paid tribute to the 12 soldiers who lost their lives in South Waziristan, stating they “fought gallantly” and “embraced martyrdom.”

According to the military, militants have been operating from Afghan soil to carry out attacks inside Pakistan. The statement called on the Taliban government in Kabul to “uphold its responsibilities and deny use of its soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan.”

The militants killed were described as “Khwarij,” a term used by the Pakistani government for the Pakistani Taliban. The military also accused India of supporting these militants but did not provide evidence to support the claim. Pakistan has frequently accused India of backing the Pakistani Taliban and separatists in Baluchistan, allegations New Delhi denies.

There was no immediate comment from the Taliban in Kabul or the Indian government.

Pakistan has witnessed a rise in militant attacks in recent years, many claimed by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). This group, separate from but allied with the Afghan Taliban, has reportedly gained strength since the Afghan Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021. Numerous Pakistani Taliban fighters and leaders are believed to be sheltering across the border.