A Pakistani Army soldier was killed during clashes with militants in the Khyber district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, local media reported on Saturday. Four militants were also killed in the skirmish, according to Geo News.
The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), stated that troops engaged the militants after detecting their movement in the Rajgal area on the night of December 19. During the exchange of fire, 22-year-old Sepoy Amir Sohail Afridi, a native of Khyber district, was killed in action. The ISPR praised Afridi for his bravery and ultimate sacrifice.
The ISPR also reiterated Islamabad’s demand that Afghanistan’s interim government prevent the use of Afghan soil by militants to carry out attacks on Pakistan.
Rising Violence in Pakistan
Pakistan has been grappling with a surge in militant violence in recent months. The third quarter of 2023 (July-September) saw a 90% increase in violence compared to earlier periods, according to a report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies.
The report recorded 328 incidents of violence during this time, resulting in 722 deaths and 615 injuries. Among the dead were civilians, security personnel, and militants.
Nearly 97% of the fatalities occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, making it the deadliest quarter in a decade. The rise in violence has heightened concerns about regional security and the effectiveness of counter-terrorism measures.
