ISLAMABAD: Eleven Pakistani soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel and a major, were martyred during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Orakzai district of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the army said on Wednesday.
According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was launched late Tuesday night on the reported presence of militants belonging to what the military described as an Indian-backed group it calls Fitna al-Khawarij.
The military said the clash erupted after security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Orakzai District, on the reported presence of Khwarij belonging to Indian Proxy, Fitna al Khwarij.
“During the conduct of operation, nineteen Indian sponsored khwarij were sent to hell due to effective engagement by own troops.,” the statement said.
During the intense exchange of fire, Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif (39) from Rawalpindi, who was leading his troops from the front, and his second-in-command, Major Tayyab Rahat (33), also from Rawalpindi, fought gallantly and laid down their lives in the line of duty, embracing shahadat alongside nine of their men.
Security forces are conducting a sanitisation (clearance) operation to remove any remaining fighters the military says belong to the group it describes as “Indian-sponsored Khwarij.” The army stated that it remained determined to dismantle networks it accused of receiving foreign support, and that the sacrifice of its personnel had strengthened its resolve to eliminate the threat.
The nine brave soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice include Naib Subedar Azam Gul (age: 38 years, resident of District Khyber), Naik Adil Hussain (age: 35 years, resident of District Kurram), Naik Gul Ameer (age: 34 years, resident of District Tank), Lance Naik Sher Khan (age: 31 years, resident of District Mardan), Lance Naik Talish Faraz (age: 32 years, resident of District Manshera), Lance Naik Irshad Hussain (age: 32 years, resident of District Kurram), Sepoy Tufail Khan (age: 28 years, resident of District Malakand), Sepoy Aqib Ali (age: 23 years, resident of District Swabi), Sepoy Muhammad Zahid (age: 24 years, resident of District Tank).
Pakistan Urges Kabul to Eliminate Cross-Border TTP Sanctuaries
Pakistan has repeatedly urged Afghanistan’s interim authorities to act decisively against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sanctuaries operating from Afghan soil, stressing that these cross-border hideouts pose a major threat to regional peace.
Before the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in August 2021, TTP fighters often fled into Afghanistan to escape Pakistani military operations but were contained by U.S. drone strikes coordinated with Islamabad. After 2021, however, areas under the new Afghan administration reportedly became safe havens, allowing the group to regroup and plan attacks inside Pakistan.
Despite Pakistan’s extensive border security measures — including a 2,590-kilometre fence along the frontier — the rugged terrain still allows limited infiltration. Islamabad maintains that eliminating terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan is vital for lasting stability and that Pakistan’s actions remain focused on ensuring regional peace and protecting its citizens from cross-border militancy.
