A soldier was martyred and 15 terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation in the Sambaza area of Zhob district, Balochistan, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday.

The deceased soldier was identified as Sepoy Arifur Rehman, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations statement.

The operation was conducted on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to the banned Fitnal Khawarij.

The ISPR added that a “significant amount” of weapons, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from the slain militants.

“A sanitization operation was conducted in the area to eliminate any potential remaining militants. Security forces remain committed to eradicating the scourge of terrorism alongside the nation and the sacrifices of these brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” it said.

Pakistan has seen an increase in militancy since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021, with the Pakistani chapter of the movement carrying out attacks mostly targeting security forces.

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Last week, at least six soldiers were martyred in an exchange of fire with banned terrorists who attempted to attack a security forces’ post in the Thall district, Hangu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The security forces thwarted the attack.

On November 16, seven security personnel were martyred in an exchange of fire with terrorists who attempted to attack a security forces’ post in the general area of Shah-e-Mardan of the Kalat district in Balochistan.