Pakistan reported Tuesday that a counterterrorism operation in a volatile district near the border with Afghanistan resulted in the deaths of at least six soldiers and four militants during subsequent clashes.
According to Pakistan’s military media wing, the troops “successfully engaged the location of the terrorists” in South Waziristan, injuring two other insurgents.
“However, during a fierce exchange of gunfire, six courageous soldiers, who fought valiantly, were martyred,” stated Inter-Services Public Relations.
Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the casualties, asserting that the shootout began after its fighters ambushed a military convoy in the remote district.
The group often exaggerates its claims and declared a considerably higher number of Pakistani troop casualties.
Pakistani officials maintain that fugitive TTP commanders have relocated their bases to Afghanistan, intensifying cross-border militancy since the Taliban regained control of the neighboring country two years ago.
On Sunday, a bomb explosion targeted a vehicle transporting laborers to a police post in the tumultuous North Waziristan district, adjacent to South Waziristan. Authorities confirmed the deaths of 11 laborers.
Taliban officials in Afghanistan refuted the allegations, asserting that they do not permit any group to employ their territory for actions against other countries, including Pakistan.
Throughout this year, TTP-led insurgent violence has claimed the lives of nearly 500 individuals in Pakistan, including civilians and security personnel. Army officials verified the deaths of approximately 130 officers and soldiers.
