Islamabad – At least seven soldiers lost their lives when security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Lal Qilla Maidan, Lower Dir District, on September 11.

According to the military’s media wing, troops engaged militants of the banned outfit Fitna al Khawarij, described as “an Indian proxy.” During the exchange of fire, 10 militants were killed.

The soldiers who lost their lives were identified as Naik Abdul Jalil (39, North Waziristan), Naik Gul Jan (38, Lakki Marwat), Lance Naik Azmat Ullah (28, Lakki Marwat), Sepoy Abdul Malik (28, Khyber), Sepoy Muhammad Amjad (27, Malakand), Sepoy Muhammad Dawood (23, Swabi), and Sepoy Fazal Qayum (21, Dera Ismail Khan).

“These brave sons of soil, having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat while saving precious lives of innocent civilians, who were made hostage by Indian-sponsored Khawarij,” ISPR said.

Weapons were recovered from the site, while sanitisation operations are continuing.

Bajaur and South Waziristan Clashes

Between September 10 and 13, two major clashes in Bajaur and South Waziristan districts left 12 soldiers and 35 militants dead.

“On reported presence of Khawarij, an intelligence-based operation was conducted in Bajaur District. During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the Khawarij location, and after an intense fire exchange, 22 Indian-sponsored Khawarij were killed,” ISPR said.

In South Waziristan, another encounter claimed the lives of 13 militants, while 12 soldiers were killed in action.

Cross-Border Concerns

ISPR noted that intelligence reports “have unequivocally confirmed physical involvement of Afghan nationals in these heinous acts.” It further said the use of Afghan soil against Pakistan by militants remains a “grave point of concern.”

Officials say infiltration has shifted since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, with an estimated 70–80% of militants entering Pakistan now Afghan nationals, while the TTP provides logistical support. In 2025 alone, 126 Afghan nationals have been killed by Pakistani forces while fighting alongside the TTP.

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Dairy Farm Raid in Bannu

In a separate incident, armed militants stormed a large dairy farm supplying milk to Bannu Cantonment, driving away more than 100 cows and abducting two farm employees. Video footage reportedly showed armed men leading the cattle into vehicles under the cover of darkness.

Authorities have expressed concern that the raid may disrupt local milk supplies. Families of the abducted employees and local residents have appealed for their safe recovery and for stronger security measures in the city.

Ongoing Counter-Terror Efforts

The military emphasised its determination to continue operations, stating that “sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored Khawarij found in the area, as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country.”

ISPR added that the sacrifices of soldiers “further strengthen our resolve” in the fight against militancy.