Two Army Soldiers Martyred, Nine Terrorists Killed in KP Clashes

PESHAWAR: At least two Pakistan Army soldiers embraced martyrdom, and nine terrorists were killed in two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), reported on Saturday.

The first operation took place in Mohmand District, where security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) following reports of terrorist activity in the area. According to the ISPR statement, the operation led to the effective engagement of the terrorists, resulting in the elimination of seven militants.

However, during an intense firefight, two soldiers, Havildar Muhammad Zahid from District Malakand and Sepoy Aftab Ali Shah from District Chitral, made the ultimate sacrifice and were martyred.

In a second encounter, security forces clashed with terrorists in the Maddi area of Dera Ismail Khan District. This engagement resulted in the neutralization of two terrorists. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain terrorists, who were reportedly involved in multiple terrorist activities.

The ISPR added that sanitization operations are ongoing in the area to eliminate any remaining militants, stressing that security forces remain determined to rid the country of terrorism.

These operations are part of Pakistan’s continued efforts to combat terrorism, particularly in the wake of increased militant activity since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, two bordering provinces, have been the most affected by these attacks.

The security situation has worsened recently, with a significant surge in terrorist incidents. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), there was a 42% increase in militant attacks in January 2025 compared to the previous month. A total of 74 attacks were recorded nationwide, resulting in 91 fatalities, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Additionally, 117 people were injured, including 53 security forces, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.

Read more: India Behind Balochistan Terror, Jaffar Express Attack, Claims ISPR

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly its settled and tribal districts, remains the worst-affected region, accounting for a significant proportion of the casualties. In KP’s settled districts, militants carried out 27 attacks, resulting in 19 deaths, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and two militants. Meanwhile, the tribal districts of KP witnessed 19 attacks, leading to 46 deaths, including 13 security personnel, eight civilians, and 25 militants.