11 Soldiers Martyred, 12 Militants Killed in Bajaur Attack

At least 11 Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred while 12 militants were killed after security forces successfully repelled a major terrorist assault on a checkpost in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attackers attempted to overrun the security post before detonating an explosives-laden vehicle against the outer wall of the facility. The powerful blast caused significant structural damage and led to an intense exchange of fire.

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Security personnel responded swiftly and effectively, eliminating all 12 assailants during the operation.

Tragically, a young girl also lost her life in the attack, while several civilians — including women and children — sustained injuries. Authorities attributed the assault to militants linked to an Indian-backed faction referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij.

The area has been secured, and clearance operations are ongoing to ensure no further threats remain.

Security personnel acted with “vigilance and professionalism,” targeting fleeing attackers and preventing further infiltration. Twelve militants were killed during the operation, they added.

The explosion also affected surrounding residential areas, damaging nearby homes. A young girl was killed in the blast, while seven others, including women and children, sustained injuries.

Emergency services shifted the wounded to local hospitals, where some were reported to be in stable condition.

A clearance operation remains underway in the area to ensure no additional militants are present and to secure the vicinity. Authorities have vowed to bring all those involved in planning and facilitating the attack to justice.

The incident comes amid an intensified counterterrorism drive under Pakistan’s National Action Plan and the government’s renewed Azm-e-Istehkam strategy aimed at dismantling militant networks.

Officials said the campaign would continue at full momentum, asserting that the sacrifices of both security personnel and civilians had strengthened national resolve against militancy.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the security forces for repelling the attack. In a statement, he commended the “brave sons of the soil” who laid down their lives while eliminating twelve militants. He described the fallen personnel as national heroes whose sacrifices would not be forgotten.

Naqvi also extended condolences to the families of the eleven martyred soldiers, expressing solidarity and reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting them. He praised the courage displayed by the troops in thwarting what he termed a malicious attempt to destabilise the region.