• Military says 12 soldiers embraced martyrdom
• Recent clashes in Bajaur, Lower Dir leave dozens of militants dead

PESHAWAR: Twelve soldiers were martyred and 13 terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists in South Waziristan, according to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement issued on Saturday.

The military’s media wing said that security forces engaged terrorists in South Waziristan, where troops neutralised 13 terrorists in a fierce exchange of fire. It said 12 soldiers, who fought gallantly, embraced martyrdom during the encounter.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from Indian-sponsored killed Khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities, the ISPR said.

Over the past few days, according to two separate ISPR statements, a total of around 45 terrorists were killed during various operations in South Waziristan, Bajaur and Lower Dir.

On Sept 11, the military said, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Lower Dir district, “on the reported presence of khwarij belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Khwarij”, and after an intense fire exchange, 10 terrorists were killed. The ISPR said intelligence reports unequivocally confirmed physical involvement of Afghan nationals in these heinous acts.

During the intense fire exchange, seven soldiers Naik Abdul Jalil, 39, Naik Gul Jan, 38, Lance Naik Azmat Ullah, 28, Sepoy Abdul Malik, 28, Sepoy Muhammad Amjad, 27, Sepoy Muhammad Dawood, 23, Sepoy Fazal Qayum, 21, embraced martyrdom.

Separately in Bajaur, a total of 22 terrorists were killed, according to the ISPR. “On reported presence of Khwarij, an intelligence based operation was conducted by the security forces in Bajaur district. During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location, and after an intense fire exchange, 22 Indian-sponsored khwarij were sent to hell,” it claimed.

Published in Dawn, September 14th, 2025