Six Pakistani soldiers, including a high-ranking officer, were killed during a clash with Islamist militants in North Waziristan, a volatile region near the Afghan border, the military said Saturday.
Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Ali Shoukat was among those who lost their lives in the operation, highlighting the senior leadership’s direct involvement in counter-insurgency efforts.
“The loss of Lieutenant Colonel Shoukat and his men underscores the ongoing challenges we face in this region,” said a military spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity due to security protocols. “Their sacrifice will not be in vain as we continue our mission to secure Pakistan’s borders.”
North Waziristan, part of Pakistan’s tribal belt, has seen a surge in militant attacks despite sustained military operations aimed at suppressing Islamist groups. The area’s proximity to Afghanistan has made it a hotbed for insurgent activity.
While the military did not provide specifics about the militants involved in this latest clash, the region has historically been a stronghold for various extremist factions, including the Pakistani Taliban and al-Qaeda affiliates.
This incident comes amid growing concerns about the resurgence of militant groups in the area following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Pakistan has repeatedly called on the Afghan Taliban to prevent cross-border attacks, a persistent source of tension between the two countries.
