Six Pakistani soldiers and 10 militants were killed in separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between September 15 and 17, the military said on Friday.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), six soldiers were killed on September 17 when an improvised explosive device struck a security forces convoy.
In a separate action, security forces launched an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan after receiving information about the presence of militants. Six militants were killed following what ISPR described as an “intense exchange of fire.”
Another four militants were killed during a separate encounter in Hangu district, bringing the total number killed in the two engagements to 10.
ISPR said weapons and ammunition were recovered from those killed and alleged that they had been involved in multiple militant attacks in the area.
The military described the militants as members of “Fitna al-Khawarij” and alleged that they were foreign-sponsored. These descriptions and allegations were made by ISPR.
Clearance operations are continuing in the affected areas to locate any remaining militants, according to the military.
ISPR said counterterrorism operations under the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative would continue against what it described as foreign-sponsored and supported militancy.
“The sacrifices of our brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs,” ISPR said.
Pakistan has experienced increased militant violence in recent years, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan among the areas most affected. Recent security data cited in Pakistani reporting identifies the two provinces as the principal centres of violence-related fatalities and incidents.