The martyred security forces personnel were identified as Major Hamza Israr, 29, a Rawalpindi resident, and Sepoy Muhammad Naeem, 26, a Naseerabad resident.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations said that the six terrorists were sent in the operation conducted on reported presence of khwarij.

“Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe-out the menace of terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” it said.

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.

Earlier this month, three soldiers were martyred and 19 terrorists were killed in three separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The operations were conducted on January 6-7.

At least 20 terrorists belonging to banned Fitna Al Khawarij were killed while 18 were injured in security operations in the Khyber district’s Tirah valley since December 14, 2024, the military’s media wing said on January 16.