Eight Killed After Attack on South Waziristan Checkposts
Pakistan’s security forces killed 10 militants in two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military said on Friday.
The operations took place on Thursday in South Waziristan and Upper Dir districts, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations.
The first clash began when a group of militants attempted to attack security forces’ checkposts in the Azam Warsak area of South Waziristan.
ISPR said troops responded quickly and successfully prevented the attack.
Eight militants were killed during the exchange of fire, according to the military’s media wing.
ISPR described those killed as members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and referred to them by the state-designated term “Fitna al Khwarij.”
The military also alleged that the militants were receiving support from India. India has previously rejected Pakistan’s accusations of sponsoring militant activity inside the country.
No casualties among security personnel were announced in the military statement.
Two More Militants Killed in Upper Dir
A second engagement took place in Upper Dir district on the same day.
Security forces killed two more militants during the operation, taking the combined death toll from the two encounters to 10.
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from those killed, ISPR said.
According to the military, the militants had been involved in several terrorist activities in the affected areas.
Security forces launched clearance operations after the encounters to search for any remaining militants.
ISPR said counterterrorism operations would continue as part of efforts to eliminate militant networks operating across the country.
The latest engagements come amid continuing security operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in districts close to the Afghan border.
South Waziristan has witnessed repeated militant attacks and security operations in recent years.
Upper Dir and other northern districts have also faced concerns over militant movement and attacks on security personnel.
Zardari, Shehbaz Praise Security Forces
President Asif Ali Zardari praised security forces for preventing the attack in Azam Warsak and killing the militants.
He commended the professionalism of personnel involved in the operation.
The president said the country stood with its security forces and law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the forces for successfully carrying out the operations.
He said the government and the public remained committed to supporting security personnel in counterterrorism efforts.
Both leaders also repeated Pakistan’s allegations of foreign sponsorship behind militant violence.
The security situation has remained a major challenge for Pakistan in 2026, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Figures from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies indicate that violence intensified sharply in July.
The Islamabad-based research group recorded 205 deaths linked to militant attacks and counterterrorism operations during the month, including 112 security personnel.
The latest operations underline the continuing pressure on security forces as authorities attempt to prevent attacks and dismantle militant networks across vulnerable regions.
