Four soldiers of the Pakistan Army were martyred, while 15 militants were eliminated in two separate security operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the military’s media wing on Saturday.
A statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) detailed that an intelligence-based operation (IBO) was carried out in Hathala, Dera Ismail Khan District, targeting the reported presence of militants. During the operation, security forces engaged the hideout, resulting in the killing of nine militants, including key figures identified as Farman alias Saqib, Amanullah alias Toori, Saeed alias Liaqat, and Bilal. These individuals were involved in various terrorist activities and were highly wanted by law enforcement agencies.
In a separate engagement in Miran Shah, North Waziristan District, security forces neutralized six more militants. However, during an intense exchange of fire, Lieutenant Muhammad Hassaan Arshaf, a resident of Lahore, embraced martyrdom while leading his troops. Three other soldiers—Naib Subedar Muhammad Bilal, Sepoy Farhat Ullah, and Sepoy Himat Khan—also sacrificed their lives in the operation.
Security forces have launched sanitization operations to eliminate any remaining threats in the areas.
“Pakistan’s security forces remain resolute in their mission to eradicate terrorism, and such sacrifices only strengthen our commitment,” the statement emphasized.
The counterterrorism operations are part of ongoing efforts to curb the rising militant activities in the region. Pakistan has witnessed a surge in violence since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, particularly affecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Recent data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) highlighted a 42% increase in militant attacks in January 2025 compared to the previous month. The report documented 74 militant attacks across the country, resulting in 91 fatalities, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Additionally, 117 people were injured, comprising 53 security personnel, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained the worst-hit province, followed by Balochistan. In KP’s settled districts, 27 attacks led to 19 deaths, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and two militants. The tribal districts (formerly FATA) experienced 19 attacks, causing 46 fatalities, including 13 security personnel, eight civilians, and 25 militants.
