At Least 12 Pakistani Soldiers Killed In A Deadly Taliban Ambush; Dozens Of Militants Dead In Separate Operations.

The Incident:

Location: South Waziristan & Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

In the early hours of Saturday, a Pakistani Army convoy was ambushed in South Waziristan, near the Afghan border. According to local government and security officials, 12 soldiers were killed and four others injured when militants opened fire from both sides using heavy weapons. The attack took place in the mountainous Badar area (Badar Faqir Sarai / Bar area).

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a banned militant group, claimed responsibility for this attack. In its claim, it said that its fighters also seized weapons and drones from the convoy.

Military Response & Related Operations:

In addition to the ambush, Pakistan’s military reports that two separate counter-terrorism operations between September 10 and 13 resulted in the deaths of 35 militants belonging to what the military refers to as “Fitna al Khwarij” (a term used by Pakistan for the TTP militants).

• First Operation (Bajaur district): 22 militants killed during an intelligence-based operation. Arms and ammunition reportedly recovered.
• Second Engagement (South Waziristan): The ambush described above, with 12 soldiers and 13 militants killed after intense fighting.

Claims, Blame, And Accusations:

The Pakistani military has made several accusations in its official statements:

• It alleges that some of the TTP militants were “Indian-sponsored,” a phrase used frequently in Pakistani media and statements.
• It also claims that Afghan nationals are physically involved in terrorist acts, and that Afghan soil is being used by TTP militants to launch attacks inside Pakistan.
• The military has called on the interim Taliban government in Kabul to fulfil its responsibilities by denying its territory to militants operating against Pakistan. Kabul, in past responses, has consistently denied harbouring or supporting such attacks.

Broader Security Context:

This attack comes amid a continuing rise in militant activity in Pakistan’s northwestern regions, especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan.

Key points include:

• Since the return to power of the Afghan Taliban in 2021, the TTP has become emboldened, with many of its leadership and fighters believed to be operating out of or finding sanctuary in Afghanistan.
• In 2025 so far, Pakistan has suffered hundreds of fatalities among security forces and civilians in militant attacks. For example, nearly 460 people, mostly security personnel, have been killed since the start of the year in attacks by anti-state armed groups in KP and Balochistan.
• Last year was particularly deadly: over 1,600 deaths were recorded, nearly half among security forces and police.

Reactions & Aftermath:

• Government response: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the “brave soldiers who embraced martyrdom” and lauded the military operations that neutralised 35 militants. He reaffirmed the state’s promise to eradicate all forms of terrorism.
• Military statements: The ISPR (Inter-Services Public Relations) emphasised the “physical involvement of Afghan nationals” in these incidents, and labelled the TTP militants as “Indian-sponsored khwarij.”
• Public sentiment: There is growing concern among residents of KP and neighbouring districts over the security situation. Graffiti bearing the TTP’s name and fear of resurgence in militant influence have been reported.

Analysis & Implications:

The recent ambush and the military’s counter-operations underline several enduring challenges and emerging risks:

1. Border Security & Spillover from Afghanistan
   The porous border regions remain a hotspot, and Pakistan continues to accuse the Afghan government of failing to control militant movement. How Kabul responds to these accusations will affect bilateral relations and regional dynamics.
2. TTP’s Operational Strength and Morale
   The ability to carry out a well-timed ambush (as in South Waziristan) suggests that the TTP retains considerable capabilities in terrain, planning, and surprise attacks.
3. Information Warfare & Blame Game
   The repeated allegations of “Indian sponsorship” are part of Pakistan’s narrative. India consistently denies involvement. These allegations, whether substantiated or not, serve to amplify tensions with New Delhi and complicate international diplomacy on counter-terrorism.
4. Security Forces’ Strategy & Civilian Impact
   The military has escalated operations (often intelligence-based operations) across KP, Bajaur, Bannu, and across other tribal districts. Such operations often bring displacement, communal stress, and risk of civilian casualties. Balancing aggressive counter-terrorism with civilian protection remains difficult.
5. Stability in KP & Implications for National Politics
   Frequent attacks and instability in border districts affect public confidence and put pressure on federal and provincial governments to improve security. It also may influence militarised policymaking, budget allocations, and possible engagement or negotiations with militant elements.

Latest Verified Facts (as of this report):

• 12 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 4 were injured in the South Waziristan ambush.
• 35 TTP militants killed in two operations: 22 in Bajaur, 13 in South Waziristan.
• TTP has claimed responsibility for the ambush.

The military alleges involvement of Afghan nationals and misuse of Afghan soil; it also makes claims about Indian backing.

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