ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces on Saturday conducted an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan tribal district, killing six militants while losing a soldier, confirmed the army’s media wing, ISPR, in a statement.
Located in the northwestern region of Pakistan near the Afghanistan border, the area used to be a militant stronghold during the US-led, post-9/11 war in Afghanistan.
It was reclaimed by Pakistani forces that launched a major military offensive in June 2014 to destroy militant hideouts.
“On 14 October 2023, security forces conducted an intelligence based operation in general area Mir Ali, North Waziristan District on reported presence of terrorists,” the ISPR statement said.
As fighting broke out, it informed, intense exchange of fire took place, killing six militants and injuring eight others.
“Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from killed terrorists who remained actively involved in terrorist activities against security forces and target killing of innocent civilians,” the statement added.
The ISPR said “Sepoy Abdul Hakeem (age 33 years, resident of District Naseerabad) having fought gallantly, embraced Shahadat [martyrdom].”
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant violence in recent years.
Much of the militant activity has taken place in the western provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The two provinces also experienced major suicide attacks in recent weeks that targeted religious congregations and killed about 60 people.
