19 Pakistani Soldiers Martyred in Fierce Clashes with Militants in Northwest
PESHAWAR, Sept 13, 2025 – Pakistan’s military confirmed on Saturday that nineteen soldiers were martyred in two separate but deadly encounters with militants in the country’s northwestern region, near the Afghan border. The clashes highlight a worrying surge in militant activity since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.
South Waziristan Ambush
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the first incident occurred in the Badar area of South Waziristan, where a convoy of Pakistani troops came under sudden militant fire in the early hours of the morning.
The fierce gun battle resulted in the martyrdom of 12 soldiers, while 13 militants were neutralized. At least four personnel sustained injuries during the exchange.
Local residents reported seeing army helicopters hovering for hours, airlifting casualties and conducting search operations in the rugged terrain.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) later claimed responsibility, alleging that they seized weapons and drones during the ambush.
Clash in Lower Dir
In a separate operation in Lower Dir, security forces engaged militants after discovering a hideout. The intense firefight left seven soldiers martyred and 10 insurgents killed, ISPR said.
Regional Tensions Escalate
Pakistan has long accused the TTP of operating from Afghan soil with tacit support. Islamabad maintains that the group is being sheltered by the Afghan Taliban regime and aided by Indian intelligence—an allegation strongly rejected by both Kabul and New Delhi.
Since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in 2021, the TTP has intensified its attacks on Pakistani security forces, particularly in border regions.
Pakistan’s Response
In its statement, the Pakistan Army stressed:
“Pakistan expects the interim Afghan government to fulfill its responsibilities and ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorism against Pakistan.”
The latest clashes underscore the growing security challenges Pakistan faces in its northwestern belt, where thousands of families remain vulnerable to militant violence.