This is a locator map for Pakistan with its capital, Islamabad, and the Kashmir region. Associated Press
A deadly militant attack shook northwest Pakistan on Friday after a suicide car bomber and gunmen targeted a military post. The assault killed four soldiers and injured at least 15 civilians, including women and children. Authorities described the incident as one of the most serious recent attacks in the region.
Deadly Assault in North Waziristan
The attack occurred near a village in North Waziristan, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bordering Afghanistan. The area was once a stronghold of militant groups, including the Pakistani Taliban.
Security officials said a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the military post. Three other militants followed with heavy gunfire, triggering an intense gunbattle that lasted nearly an hour.
Civilians Caught in the Blast
Police said the powerful explosion caused nearby houses to collapse. Several civilians were injured as debris fell on homes. A nearby mosque also suffered damage during the blast.
Emergency teams rushed the wounded to hospitals as panic spread through the village. Residents described scenes of chaos and fear following the explosion.
Attackers Killed After Gunfight
The Pakistani military confirmed that all attackers were killed during the operation. Troops successfully prevented the militants from breaching the post’s inner perimeter.
According to the military, the attackers initially attempted to force entry. After failing, they used the suicide vehicle to smash into the outer wall.
Pakistani Taliban Blamed
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the military blamed the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for planning and executing the assault.
Officials said the operation was coordinated and carefully planned. Intelligence reports suggested cross-border involvement in the attack.
Pakistan Points to Afghan Soil
The military stated the attack was directed from across the border in Afghanistan. It urged Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers to prevent militants from using Afghan territory.
“There should be no space for terrorists to operate from Afghan soil,” the military said in a statement. Pakistan also reaffirmed its right to pursue militants and their facilitators.
Diplomatic Protest Lodged
Hours after the attack, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Afghan Taliban’s deputy head of mission in Islamabad. A formal protest was lodged over the incident.
The ministry demanded a full investigation and decisive action against those responsible. It also called for immediate and verifiable steps to dismantle terror networks operating from Afghanistan.
Warning on Sovereignty and Security
Pakistan warned that continued attacks would force stronger defensive measures. The ministry said Pakistan would take all necessary steps to protect its citizens and sovereignty.
Afghanistan’s Taliban government has repeatedly denied allowing attacks from its territory. Kabul has not issued an immediate response to Pakistan’s latest claims.
Rising Tensions Along the Border
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have grown since October. Border clashes followed explosions in Kabul on October 9, which Afghanistan blamed on Pakistan.
Although Qatar helped broker a ceasefire, talks hosted by Turkey in November failed to resolve differences.
Militant Violence on the Rise
Pakistan has seen a surge in militant attacks since 2021. Authorities often link the violence to the TTP, which shares ideological ties with Afghanistan’s Taliban.
Security forces remain on high alert in border regions. Officials warn that further attacks could deepen regional instability.
