11 Pakistani Security Personnel Killed in Taliban Attack Near Afghan Border

At least 11 Pakistani security personnel were killed in a deadly militant attack near the Afghan border, highlighting the ongoing security challenges facing the country amid a surge in extremist violence. The incident occurred in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a sensitive region bordering Afghanistan.

According to military officials, militants rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the wall of an army checkpoint after security forces blocked their attempt to enter a residential compound used by soldiers. The powerful blast caused extensive damage and casualties among security personnel stationed at the site.

Authorities confirmed that a child was also killed in the attack, while several civilians — including women and children — were among at least seven injured. Emergency responders rushed to the scene to assist the wounded and secure the area.

Security forces engaged the attackers as they attempted to flee following the explosion. Officials reported that 12 militants were killed during the response operation.

The attack was claimed by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban. The group has waged an insurgency against the Pakistani state since 2007, seeking to impose its strict interpretation of Islamic governance.

Violence linked to the TTP has intensified since the group ended a ceasefire agreement with Islamabad in late 2022. Security forces have since faced increased attacks in border regions, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of providing safe haven to militants operating along the border. However, the Taliban administration in Kabul has denied these allegations.

The latest attack comes amid growing concerns over a resurgence of militancy across Pakistan. Earlier this month, a bombing at a mosque in the capital Islamabad killed more than 30 worshippers during Friday prayers. That attack was claimed by the Islamic State group, raising fears of multiple extremist threats operating within the country.

Security analysts warn that Pakistan may be facing renewed instability as militant groups intensify operations in border regions and urban centres.

Authorities have increased security measures in sensitive areas and vowed to continue counterterrorism operations to prevent further attacks.

The Bajaur attack underscores the fragile security environment in Pakistan’s border regions and the ongoing challenges posed by militant networks operating along the Afghanistan frontier.