A terrorist attack targeting a joint security checkpost in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa claimed the lives of 11 security personnel on Tuesday, according to the military’s media wing.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that on February 16, militants identified as Khwarij linked to an “Indian proxy” group, Fitna al Khwarij—a term used by the state for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan—launched a suicide vehicle-borne assault on the post.
In retaliation, security forces eliminated 12 attackers, engaging the fleeing militants with precision, the statement said. The assailants reportedly rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall of the post, causing it to collapse.
The blast also impacted nearby residential structures, resulting in the death of one young girl and injuries to seven others, including women and children.
ISPR emphasized that ongoing sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any remaining militants in the area. The campaign is part of Pakistan’s broader counter-terrorism strategy, “Azm e Istehkam,” approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan. The statement underlined that operations against foreign-sponsored terrorism will continue at full pace.
“The sacrifices of our brave soldiers and innocent civilians further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs,” ISPR concluded.
This incident follows other recent attacks in Bajaur, including the martyrdom of a station house officer in War Mamund tehsil earlier this month and a high-ranking officer during an intelligence-based operation in December 2025.
According to the Annual Security Report 2025 by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has seen a sharp rise in violence over the past year. Fatalities in the province increased from 1,620 in 2024 to 2,331 in 2025—a surge of 711 deaths, representing more than 82% of the national increase and a 44% year-on-year rise in violence.