South Waziristan
Sixteen soldiers of the Pakistan Army were martyred while repelling a terrorist attack on a security check post in South Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), as reported by the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The incident took place on the night between December 20 and 21, when a group of terrorists attempted to assault the security forces’ check post in the Makeen area of the tribal district.
The ISPR stated that the attack was effectively repelled by the Pakistani troops, who engaged the attackers in a fierce firefight. During the ensuing battle, eight terrorists were killed, but tragically, sixteen Pakistani soldiers lost their lives in the process.
The military’s statement paid tribute to the bravery and gallantry of the soldiers, referring to their sacrifice as the ultimate form of martyrdom, or “shahadat,” in defense of the country.
The ISPR also mentioned that a sanitization operation had been launched in the area, with the perpetrators of the attack being pursued and set to face justice.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist attack and expressed deep condolences to the families of the martyred soldiers.
He praised their courageous actions, which he described as a testament to the resilience and determination of Pakistan’s security forces.
The Prime Minister assured that the nation stood united in its resolve to eliminate terrorism, highlighting the critical importance of such sacrifices in strengthening Pakistan’s fight against terrorism.
The country has witnessed an alarming rise in terrorist activity in recent months. The attack in South Waziristan comes on the heels of another thwarted attack in Khyber District, where a Pakistan Army soldier was martyred, and four terrorists were neutralized in an operation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
The ISPR’s statement also called on Afghanistan’s interim government to take responsibility for preventing the use of its soil for launching terrorist attacks on Pakistan, emphasizing the need for cross-border cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts.
The recent surge in terrorist violence in Pakistan has been concerning, with the third quarter of 2024 witnessing a sharp increase in casualties and attacks.
According to a report from the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), fatalities due to terrorist activities and counter-terrorism operations saw a 90% rise.
The majority of these fatalities were reported in KP and Balochistan, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in these regions. With the year nearing its end, the number of casualties in terrorist-related incidents has already surpassed the total fatalities recorded in 2023, underscoring the escalating nature of the threat.
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