LOC13:12
10:12 GMT
ISLAMABAD, Oct 8 (KUNA) -- The Pakistani army said Wednesday that 11 soldiers, including two officers, were killed along with 19 militants during a security operation in the countryآ’s north near the Afghan border.
According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces launched an intelligence-led operation in the Orakzai area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province after receiving reports about militants allegedly linked to an "Indian-backed" group.
The army said troops eliminated 19 militants during intense clashes, while two commanding officers and nine soldiers were killed in the fighting.
Combing operations were continuing in the area to clear any remaining armed elements, the statement added.
The army reaffirmed its determination to eradicate groups it described as Indian-backed and said the soldiersآ’ sacrifices would strengthen its resolve to continue counterterrorism efforts.
The operation followed a recent surge in militant attacks across Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces near the Afghan border.
Last month, a suicide bombing near the Frontier Corps headquarters in Quetta killed 10 people and wounded 32 others. (end)
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