Clash Kills Dozens Near Pakistan-Afghan Border
A fierce clash between the Pakistani Army and militants in Orakzai district, close to the Afghan border, has left 11 soldiers and 19 insurgents dead, according to official military reports. The incident took place during a pre-dawn intelligence-based operation aimed at dismantling militant hideouts.
Attack on Military Convoy
Security forces were ambushed when militants detonated a roadside explosive and opened heavy gunfire on the convoy. The military identified the attackers as linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which later claimed responsibility for the strike.
Officers Among the Dead
Among the soldiers killed were senior officers, including Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif and Major Tayyab Rahat, whose deaths were confirmed by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The loss of senior leadership has been described as a major blow to the Army.
Government Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the violence and paid tribute to the soldiers, calling them martyrs who had sacrificed their lives for the nation. He vowed that the government would intensify its fight against terrorism.
Rising Cross-Border Tensions
The clash underscores the rising threat of militant activity in Pakistan’s northwest. Officials allege that TTP fighters enjoy safe havens in Afghanistan, worsening already strained relations between Islamabad and Kabul.
