Two soldiers martyred, nine terrorists naturalized in KP clashes

RAWALPINDI: At least two Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred while nine terrorists were killed in two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the army’s media wing said on Saturday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Mohmand district on information about the presence of terrorists.

“During the operation, our troops effectively located [their] location, as a result of which, seven Khawarij were sent to hell,” it said.

However, during the intense exchange of fire, two soldiers — Havildar Muhammad Zahid, a resident of Malakand district, and Sepoy Aftab Ali Shah, a resident of Chitral district, “made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom.”

In another encounter that took place in the Madri area of ​​Dera Ismail Khan district, security forces and terrorists exchanged fire. As a result, two terrorists were effectively neutralized.

The ISPR said that arms and ammunition were also recovered from the slain terrorists, who were active in several terrorist operations.

“Sanitation operations are being carried out to eliminate any other outsider found in the area,” it said, adding that the security forces are determined to eradicate the menace of terrorism from the country.

The operations are part of the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts as the country has witnessed a surge in violent attacks since the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan in 2021, especially in the border provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

According to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), a think tank, the country witnessed a sharp increase in terrorist attacks in January 2025, with a 42 percent increase compared to the previous month.

The data shows that at least 74 militant attacks were recorded across the country, resulting in the deaths of 91 people, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians and 36 militants. Another 117 people were injured, including 53 security forces personnel, 54 civilians and 10 militants.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained the worst-hit province, followed by Balochistan. In the populated districts of KP, militants carried out 27 attacks, resulting in the deaths of 19 people, including 11 security personnel, six civilians and two militants.

There were 19 attacks in the tribal districts of KP (formerly FATA), resulting in the deaths of 46 people, including 13 security personnel, 8 civilians and 25 militants.