MIR ALI: One military personnel was martyred and six others injured on Friday when a terrorist rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall of a security forces' camp in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan.
The powerful blast caused the roof of a post to collapse, injuring several personnel. Following the explosion, five armed terrorists attempted to storm the camp but were instantly neutralized in what the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) described as a “prompt and decisive” response by the troops.
State-run PTV confirmed the incident, which is part of a wave of attacks targeting security forces across the region. Separate incidents were also reported in Bajaur, Lakki Marwat, and Datta Khel, reflecting a sharp rise in militant activity.
According to security sources, ongoing counter-terror operations have resulted in the killing of 108 militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by officials as **Fitna al-Khawarij**. These militants are believed to have been sent by the Afghan Taliban. However, the figure could not be independently verified.
In Bajaur, security forces intercepted another vehicle carrying hundreds of kilograms of explosives, reportedly intended for detonation in a civilian area. The ISPR said the plot was foiled due to timely intelligence, and the explosives—allegedly smuggled from Afghanistan—were safely neutralized.
The violence comes amid escalating tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. A fragile 48-hour ceasefire was agreed upon Wednesday after casualties were reported on both sides. While neither country has claimed responsibility for initiating the truce, each maintains that it was made in response to the other’s request.
Military sources say that the rise in cross-border terrorism is a direct result of safe havens provided to militants in Afghanistan. Pakistan’s army leadership has vowed to respond with "full force" against all threats to national security.
Security across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains on high alert, as operations against TTP-linked groups continue with intensified resolve.
