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Three Pakistan soldiers, 19 militants killed in KP clashes

Pakistan Army reports intense clashes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Three Pakistan soldiers, 19 militants killed in KP clashes

A Pakistan army trooper guards an outpost.

Reuters

Three soldiers and 19 militants were killed in intense clashes across Pakistan’s northwestern region, the military said Tuesday.

The operations took place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, bordering Afghanistan, in response to intelligence reports about militant activity.

The military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), confirmed the death toll and described the operations as part of its broader effort to eliminate terrorism.

Three separate clashes

In Matani, Peshawar District, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation targeting suspected Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants. "Own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and resultantly, eight khwarij were sent to hell," ISPR said, using a term often associated with the TTP.

In another operation in Baizai, Mohmand District, eight more militants were killed during a firefight. Security forces also engaged militants in Karak District, neutralizing three, according to the statement.

Soldiers' sacrifice

The military acknowledged the loss of three soldiers who fought "gallantly" during the clashes.

  • Lance Havaldar Abbas Ali, 38, from Ghizer District.
  • Naik Muhammad Nazir, 37, from Skardu District.
  • Naik Muhammad Usman, 37, from Attock District.

“These brave sons of the soil embraced shahadat during intense fire exchanges,” ISPR said, adding that their sacrifices further strengthen Pakistan's resolve to combat terrorism.

Rising militancy

The Pakistani Taliban, or TTP, remains the most active militant group in the region, frequently targeting security forces. Islamabad has accused Afghanistan's Taliban-led government of allowing militants to operate across the border, a claim Kabul denies.

Pakistan has seen a sharp increase in attacks in recent months, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

In 2024, the military reported that 383 soldiers and 925 militants were killed in various clashes.

The ISPR said security forces are continuing sanitization operations to eliminate any remaining militants in the area. "Such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve," the statement read.

The latest violence underscores the ongoing security challenges Pakistan faces along its western border amid a resurgence of militant activity.

*With input from AFP

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