At least twelve terrorists linked to what Pakistan’s military described as an India-backed proxy group were killed in a major attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district according to the Inter-Services Public Relations or ISPR. Eleven security personnel were martyred during the operation.
In a statement the ISPR said militants attempted a “cowardly” assault on a joint checkpost operated by security forces and law enforcement agencies. The attackers reportedly tried to breach the perimeter but were met with what the military described as a swift and decisive response.
During the assault an explosive-laden vehicle was rammed into the outer wall of the checkpost. The blast caused significant damage to a nearby civilian residential building. One young girl was killed and seven others including women and children were injured.
Pakistan has seen a rise in cross-border militant activity since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Border provinces including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have faced the brunt of recent attacks.
Earlier this year ISPR Director General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said law enforcement agencies conducted more than 75,000 intelligence-based operations nationwide in 2025.
According to official figures over 5,300 terrorism incidents were reported last year with the majority occurring in KP and Balochistan. Security forces killed nearly 2,600 militants during counterterror operations.
Military officials maintain that civilians and soft targets have been deliberately attacked and allege that Afghan militants were involved in several major incidents.
Authorities say operations against militant networks will continue across the country.
