Pakistan Clash Kills 11 Security Forces, 19 Militants in Orakzai

Pakistani military officials confirmed that eleven security personnel, including two army officers, were killed during a fierce confrontation with militants in the northwestern Orakzai district. The incident occurred during an intelligence-based operation conducted by security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.

According to a military statement released Wednesday, the operation took place late Tuesday in the volatile Orakzai district. During the exchange of fire, Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif, 39, and Major Tayyab Rahat, 33, were killed along with nine other security personnel. The military reported that its forces "effectively engaged" the militants, eliminating 19 terrorists during the operation.

This deadly encounter follows last month's incident in South Waziristan district where 12 Pakistani soldiers lost their lives in similar circumstances. Pakistan has experienced a concerning rise in militant attacks in recent years, particularly in the border regions adjacent to Afghanistan. Islamabad has repeatedly expressed concerns about terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.

The incident occurred as Pakistani representative Mohammad Sadiq emphasized at the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan the "urgent need for collective regional efforts to effectively counter terrorism and dismantle all terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil." While Afghanistan denies permitting its territory to be used for attacks against neighboring countries, Pakistan continues to advocate for stronger regional security cooperation to address cross-border militant threats.