The Pakistan Army killed 19 Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters in a heavy gun battle in Orakzai, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Eleven soldiers, including a Lieutenant Colonel and a Major, also died. The clash began late Tuesday during an intelligence-based operation near the Afghan border.
Army officials said they started the raid after receiving reports about extremist hideouts. Troops are now carrying out a clean-up drive to track down more fighters in the area.
This fight follows a string of recent operations. Last month, security forces killed 17 TTP members in Karak district. Three police officers were hurt in that clash. Earlier, forces shot dead 13 more militants in Dera Ismail Khan.
The TTP has stepped up its attacks since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Many of its leaders are thought to be hiding across the border.
Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in terror violence in recent months. In just three months, terror incidents have jumped by 46 per cent. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the worst hit, recording over 70 per cent of all deaths and two-thirds of attacks.
