North Waziristan: At least eight security personnel were martyred in a devastating suicide bombing in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan on Saturday, according to an official statement from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister’s office.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur strongly condemned the attack and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen. “I salute the brave security personnel and their families who have laid down their lives for the nation,” he stated. The chief minister emphasized that the continued sacrifices made by the armed forces in combating terrorism are central to preserving peace and unity in Pakistan.
“These sacrifices have only strengthened the nation’s resolve to eliminate terrorism,” Gandapur added. “The entire country stands united behind our forces in this war against terror.”
District Police Officer Waqar Ahmed confirmed that four civilians were also injured in the attack, which involved a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED).
This latest incident follows a series of violent events in the region. Just days ago, two soldiers were martyred and eleven militants killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in South Waziristan. In a separate incident on June 15, a Frontier Corps soldier was martyred in Ladha tehsil.
Earlier this month, security forces eliminated 14 militants in Datta Khel, also in North Waziristan. Despite the increased operations, Pakistan has seen a continued rise in militant activity, especially in KP and Balochistan, since the TTP ended its ceasefire in late 2022.
Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies shows a slight increase in attacks—85 in May compared to 81 in April. The country has also been ranked second in the Global Terrorism Index 2025, with fatalities from terrorism increasing by 45% over the past year.
The military has previously accused India of backing terrorist elements, with DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry presenting what he described as “irrefutable evidence” of Indian involvement.
