KP Operations: 10 militants killed, 6 soldiers martyred

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said six militants were killed during an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan district.

Four more militants were killed in a separate encounter in Hangu district. The military identified the group as India-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij.

Six militants killed in North Waziristan

According to ISPR, security forces launched the North Waziristan operation after receiving information about the presence of militants in the area.

During the operation, troops engaged the militants’ position. An intense exchange of fire followed, resulting in the deaths of six militants, the military said.

Weapons and ammunition were reportedly recovered from the militants. ISPR also stated that those killed had been involved in several terrorist activities in the area.

The operation was part of ongoing efforts to target militant networks operating in the region.

Four more militants killed in Hangu

In a separate engagement in Hangu district, security forces killed four additional militants, according to the military.

The two operations brought the total number of militants reported killed during the period to 10. ISPR said the encounters were conducted as part of security efforts in areas affected by militant activity.

The military did not provide further details about the identities of the militants or the specific locations of the encounters.

Six soldiers martyred in IED attack

Meanwhile, an improvised explosive device (IED) struck a security forces convoy on September 17, resulting in the martyrdom of six soldiers, ISPR said.

The attack highlights the continuing risks faced by security personnel during operations against militant groups. The military did not provide further details about the location of the convoy or the circumstances surrounding the explosion.

Sanitisation operations were under way in the areas to search for any other militants who may still be present, according to ISPR.

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Azm-e-Istehkam campaign continues

The military said counter-terrorism operations would continue under Azm-e-Istehkam, a campaign approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan.

According to ISPR, the campaign aims to counter foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism in Pakistan. The military also paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives, saying their sacrifices reinforced the armed forces’ commitment to protecting the country.

The latest operations come amid continued security concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which have experienced a significant share of militant violence in recent years.

KP and Balochistan remain major violence hotspots

A report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) identified Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan as the main hotspots for violence in Pakistan during the second quarter of 2026.

The report said the two provinces accounted for nearly 96 percent of all violence-related fatalities recorded during that period. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported more than 61 percent of the deaths, with 475 fatalities, while Balochistan recorded 265 deaths, representing 34 percent.

KP also recorded the highest number of violent incidents, with 151 cases, or 57 percent of the national total. Balochistan followed with 94 incidents, accounting for 35 percent.

The figures underline the scale of the security challenge in both provinces. They also show why military operations, intelligence gathering and broader security measures remain central to the government’s counter-terrorism efforts.