Dozens killed as Pakistani army, fighters clash near Afghan border

"Eleven military personnel have been killed in a gunfight with armed fighters in the country's northwest, according to the Pakistani army. The gun battle erupted early on Wednesday during an intelligence operation in the Orakzai district near the Afghan border, the army said in a news release. During the intelligence raid, the military said, an intense exchange of fire broke out with Khawarij, a term it uses for banned groups such as the Pakistan Taliban, which claimed responsibility for the attack."

"Among the dead were Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif and his deputy, Major Tayyab Rahat, along with nine other soldiers. The army said 19 fighters were also killed. The Reuters news agency, citing Pakistani security officials, reported that the fighters ambushed a military convoy with a roadside bomb before opening fire. In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded security forces for their service and paid tribute to the troops who lost their lives."

An intelligence operation in Orakzai district near the Afghan border triggered an early-morning gunbattle that killed eleven military personnel, including Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif and his deputy Major Tayyab Rahat, and nine other soldiers. The army reported 19 fighters were also killed during the intense exchange of fire. Officials said fighters ambushed a military convoy with a roadside bomb and then opened fire. The Pakistan Taliban claimed responsibility and has increased attacks aiming to overthrow the government and impose hardline Islamic rule. Islamabad accuses militants of using neighbouring Afghanistan for training and planning and accuses India of funding them, charges denied by both countries. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded security forces and paid tribute to the fallen troops.

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