In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations said that Major Muhammad Awais, 31, a Narowal district resident, was martyred in an exchange of fire with terrorists in the North Waziristan operation.

Five Khwarij were killed while eight were injured in the operation.

Two terrorists were killed in an intelligence based operation in the general area of Jani Khel, Bannu district.

In a third encounter that took place in South Waziristan District, security forces killed six Khwarij while eight were injured.

“Sanitisation operations are being carried out to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area, as security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe-out the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthens our resolve,” it said.

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Pakistan has been battling a resurgence of militant violence in its western border regions since the Taliban’s 2021 return to power in Afghanistan.

Last year saw casualties hit a six-year high, with more than 1,500 civilians, security forces and militants killed, according to the Islamabad-based Center for Research and Security Studies.

Last week, 16 soldiers were martyred in a terrorist attack on a security forces check post in the general area of Makeen, South Waziristan district.