As many as 11 Pakistan Army soldiers embraced martyred while 12 Indian-sponsored terrorists were sent to hell as security forces personnel foiled a militant attack on a checkpost in Bajaur District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
According to an ISPR statement released on Tuesday, a little girl was also martyred in the terrorist attack while several others, including women and children, were injured.
The attack, attributed to militants described by authorities as belonging to an Indian-backed faction referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij, resulted in the martyrdom of eleven security personnel and civilian casualties following a powerful explosion.
According to security sources, the militants attempted to storm the check post before ramming an explosives-laden vehicle into its outer perimeter wall.
The resulting blast caused extensive damage to the installation’s infrastructure and triggered a gun battle as troops responded swiftly to contain the assault.
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.
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Naqvi pays tribute to martyrs
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.
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Reporters: Ahmed Mansoor and Awais Kiani