6 soldiers, 22 terrorists killed in clash, military operations in northwest Pakistan

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) – At least six Pakistani soldiers and 22 terrorists were killed in a clash and two military operations in northwestern Pakistan, the military said on Saturday.

The clash occurred between security forces and terrorists in Hangu district while security forces conducted military operations in North Waziristan and Tank districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday and Saturday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistan Army's media wing, said in a statement.

Security forces foiled an attack on a security post in the Thall area of Hangu district, killing three terrorists. "However, during the intense fire exchange, six brave sons of soil, having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom," according to the statement.

Security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation in the Tank district, killing at least nine terrorists and injuring six more, it added.

In another operation, at least 10 terrorists were killed in the North Waziristan tribal district, the statement said, adding, "The security forces of Pakistan are determined to eradicate the menace of terrorism, and the sacrifices of our brave soldiers strengthen our resolve."

At least 245 people, including 68 security personnel, were killed in November in terrorist attacks and clashes across Pakistan.

The fatalities included 127 suspected terrorists and 50 civilians, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), an Islamabad-based think tank, on Sunday.

November was the second deadliest month after August, when 254 people lost their lives, including 92 civilians, 108 terrorists, and 54 security forces personnel.

The Pakistan military also intensified intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces after recent attacks on forces in the Waziristan, Khyber, and Kurram districts.

Islamabad accuses "Afghan-based" Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants of carrying out terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, while Kabul denies the allegation that such attacks are launched from its soil.