Eleven Pakistani soldiers were martyred and 12 militants killed in a terrorist attack on a joint security checkpost in Bajaur. The assault targeted security forces and underscores ongoing counterterrorism challenges in the region. Soldiers, militants, and nearby civilians were directly affected by the deadly blast.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, terrorists attempted to breach the joint checkpost on February 16, 2026. The military’s media wing said the attackers were Indian-sponsored militants. Security forces responded swiftly and engaged the assailants with precision. As a result, troops eliminated 12 terrorists during the exchange of fire. Officials said the attackers failed to achieve their objective.
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However, the assailants rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall in a final act of desperation. The powerful explosion caused severe structural damage to the checkpost. Consequently, eleven soldiers embraced martyrdom after the infrastructure collapsed. Authorities described the troops’ response as courageous and professionally executed under intense pressure. The area was immediately cordoned off after the blast.
Meanwhile, the explosion also damaged nearby civilian homes. A young girl was martyred, and seven others sustained injuries. Women and children were among the injured, officials confirmed. Rescue teams shifted the wounded to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Security agencies launched sanitization operations to clear the area of any remaining threats.
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Furthermore, the military said counterterrorism efforts will continue under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” campaign. The operation follows directives approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan. Officials reiterated their resolve to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country. They said the sacrifices of soldiers and civilians strengthen national determination against militancy. Authorities vowed to sustain operations at full pace.