Who is Responsible for the Death of 12 Pakistani Soldiers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 12 Pakistani soldiers killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Attacks attributed to Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.
- Prime Minister vows to combat terrorism with full force.
- 35 terrorists killed in retaliatory operations.
- Concerns raised about Afghan nationals' involvement.
Islamabad, Sep 13 (NationPress) Reports indicate that 12 Pakistani soldiers have tragically lost their lives in various attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, executed by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) since September 10.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of the Pakistan military confirmed that these soldiers were killed amid fierce exchanges of gunfire in the South Waziristan district over a span from September 10 to 13.
According to state-run Radio Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed on Saturday a commitment to countering terrorism with “full force” following the incidents that persisted.
As reported by the prominent daily Dawn, PM Shehbaz and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Bannu and engaged in a high-level counter-terrorism meeting. They also attended the funeral prayers for the martyrs of the South Waziristan operations.
Sharif emphasized that the terrorist leaders and their supporters behind these attacks are operating from Afghan territory.
He articulated that the Afghan Interim Government has been distinctly informed of the necessity to choose between backing the Khawarij or siding with Pakistan. He underscored the role of infiltrated Afghan nationals in these terrorist activities and called for the immediate repatriation of illegal Afghan residents in Pakistan.
Another leading Pakistani outlet, The Express Tribune, reported that in addition to the 12 soldiers, 35 terrorists were also exterminated in the retaliatory operations.
The local media noted that Sharif and Army Chief Munir also visited injured soldiers at Bannu Combined Military Hospital and received an extensive briefing on the security landscape from the Peshawar Corps Commander.
Earlier this month, six soldiers fell victim during an attack on the Federal Constabulary (FC) Headquarters located in Bannu district.