News Brief
Swarajya News Staff
Oct 08, 2025, 02:50 PM | Updated 02:50 PM IST
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Islamist militants ambushed a Pakistani military convoy near the Afghan border today, killing nine paramilitary soldiers and two officers. The attack unfolded in the northwestern district of Kurram, where roadside bombs struck the vehicles before gunmen opened fire. The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility, stating their fighters targeted the convoy to advance their goal of imposing hardline Islamic rule.
Pakistani officials reported that the militants launched a coordinated assault, with a large group emerging after the initial explosions. This incident marks a sharp rise in attacks on Pakistani forces, as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan intensifies operations from bases in neighbouring Afghanistan. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of sheltering these groups, though Afghan authorities deny the claims.
In a related development, Pakistan's army stated that the soldiers died during an operation in the adjoining district of Orakzai, which also eliminated 19 Islamist militants. The raid targeted a militant hideout near the border, triggering a prolonged gunbattle before dawn.
Forces launched the assault based on intelligence about a significant militant presence, aiming to disrupt supply lines and prevent further incursions. This operation reflects ongoing efforts to secure the volatile border region amid surging insurgency activities.
The clashes underscore the persistent threat from militant groups exploiting the porous Afghan-Pakistani frontier, with recent months seeing a spike in such confrontations.