Date: 26th December 2024
16 Soldiers Martyred in Terrorist Attack in South Waziristan
Makeen Checkpost Attack Claims 16 Lives
Sixteen Pakistani soldiers were martyred in a brutal terrorist attack on a checkpost in Makeen, South Waziristan, on Saturday night (21st December), according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The attack, carried out by a group of terrorists, was successfully repelled, resulting in the elimination of eight militants.
The ISPR emphasized that a sanitization operation is underway to hunt down the perpetrators. “The sacrifices of our brave soldiers strengthen our resolve to eliminate terrorism,” the statement read.
Sharp Rise in Terrorist Attacks After Ceasefire Collapse
Pakistan has experienced a surge in terrorist incidents since the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended a ceasefire with the government in 2022. Interior Ministry data reveals that out of 1,566 terrorism incidents reported in the past 10 months, 948 occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), resulting in 583 deaths.
Soldier Martyred in Khyber During Border Infiltration Attempt
In a separate incident, 22-year-old Sepoy Amir Sohail Afridi was martyred as Pakistani security forces thwarted an infiltration attempt along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Khyber district. Four terrorists were killed during the exchange of fire.
The ISPR reiterated Pakistanโs demand for the Interim Afghan Government to prevent Afghan soil from being used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.
Government Intensifies Efforts Against TTP and Terrorism
In a recent push against terrorism, Pakistani security forces have intensified operations, killing 43 terrorists in KP and Balochistan earlier this month. In July, the government officially designated the TTP as Fitna al Khawarij, urging institutions to refer to such groups as khariji (outcasts).
Pakistanโs Commitment to Counterterrorism
The ISPR highlighted Pakistan’s resolve to secure its borders and combat terrorism. “Such sacrifices by our brave soldiers are a testament to our unwavering commitment to rid the country of this menace,” the statement concluded.
ISPR issued the following Statements:
No PR-399/2024-ISPR
“On the night of 19/20 December, movement of a group of khwarij, trying to infiltrate through Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was picked up by the security forces in general area Rajgal, Khyber District. Own troops effectively engaged and thwarted their attempt to infiltrate. Resultantly, four Khwarij were sent to hell.
However, during the intense fire exchange, one brave son of soil, Sepoy Amir Sohail Afridi (age: 22 years, resident of District Khyber), having fought gallantly, embraced Shahadat.
Pakistan has consistently been asking the Interim Afghan Government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border. Interim Afghan Government is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by Khwarij for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.
Security Forces of Pakistan remain committed to secure its borders & eliminate the menace of terrorism, and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve”.
Rawalpindi – December 26, 2024
No PR-412/2024-ISPR
On 25-26 December 2024, thirteen Khwarij were sent to hell in three separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.
On reported presence of Khwarij, an intelligence based operation was conducted by the Security Forces in general area Jani Khel, Bannu District. During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and resultantly, two Khwarij were sent to hell.
Another intelligence based operation was conducted in North Waziristan District. In ensuing fire exchange, five Khwarij were effectively neutralised by security forces, while eight khwarij got injured.
However, during intense exchange of fire, Major Muhammad Awais (age: 31 years, resident of District Narowal), a brave officer, who was leading his troops from the front, having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat.
In a third encounter that took place in South Waziristan District, own troops successfully neutralised six Khwarij, while eight khwarij were injured.
Sanitization operations are being carried out to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area, as security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe-out the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthens our resolve.
