45 militants, 19 Pakistani soldiers killed in KP military operations

Pakistan’s military said Saturday that 45 militants and 19 soldiers were killed in multiple operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, near the Afghan border, between September 10 and 13.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations were launched after intelligence reports indicated the presence of militants - referred to by the military as Khawarij.

In Bajaur district, troops carried out an intelligence-based raid, engaging the militants in heavy gunfire that left 22 fighters dead. The army said those killed were linked to India and involved in repeated attacks across the province.

On 11 September 2025, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in the general area of Lal Qilla Maidan, Lower Dir District, targeting terrorists reportedly affiliated with Indian proxies. The operation resulted in the deaths of 10 militants and 7 soldiers.

Militants tied to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are often labeled by the state as Fitna al-Khawarij. In recent months, Islamabad has also used the term Fitna al-Hindustan for separatist groups in Balochistan, framing it as evidence of India’s role in stoking violence and instability inside Pakistan.

In a separate clash in South Waziristan, the military reported 13 more militants were killed. The fighting also claimed the lives of 12 Pakistani soldiers, described by the ISPR as having “fought gallantly” before embracing martyrdom. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the militants following the encounters.

The army further said intelligence assessments confirm the involvement of Afghan nationals in these activities, adding that the use of Afghan territory by TTP-linked militants remains a “grave concern.” It urged the interim Afghan government to prevent its soil from being used for attacks against Pakistan.

Security forces have since launched sanitization operations in the affected areas to track down any remaining fighters. The ISPR stressed that Pakistan’s armed forces remain committed to eliminating what it called “Indian-sponsored terrorism” and that the sacrifices of soldiers only strengthen their resolve.

Pakistan has faced a renewed wave of militancy in recent years, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The TTP, which ended a ceasefire with the government in November 2022, has repeatedly vowed to intensify attacks on security forces and law enforcement agencies.