Deadly Attack at Pakistan Security Post Kills 11 Soldiers, Child

An explosive-laden vehicle crashed into a military checkpoint in northwestern Pakistan, killing 11 soldiers and a young girl. The attack in Bajaur district triggered a firefight that left 12 militants dead.

ISLAMABAD — Military officials report that an explosive-packed vehicle crashed into a security checkpoint in Pakistan’s northwestern region, resulting in the deaths of 11 soldiers and one child during an overnight assault.

According to military statements released Tuesday, the incident took place Monday evening in Bajaur district within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, located near the Afghan border. The attackers attempted to penetrate the checkpoint but were confronted by security personnel who had signaled the vehicle to halt.

The explosion caused sections of the military compound to crumble and severely damaged nearby residential buildings. A young girl was killed in the blast, while seven other civilians, including women and children, sustained injuries.

Local police official Zafar Khan reported that following the initial bombing, additional militants attempted to infiltrate the security facility, sparking a gun battle. Security forces ultimately eliminated 12 attackers, whom authorities refer to as “khawarij,” their term for the Pakistani Taliban, known as TTP. A manhunt continues throughout the Bajaur area.

The region has remained volatile since August 2025, when military forces initiated a “targeted operation” against militant groups, forcing thousands of residents to temporarily evacuate before returning to their homes. Intelligence-driven operations have continued in the area since that time.

While no organization has taken credit for the assault, authorities suspect the Pakistani Taliban, who frequently launch attacks against both security personnel and civilians nationwide.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zadari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued separate condemnations of the attack. Both leaders expressed grief over what they called the “martyrdom” of the security forces and civilian victim, extending sympathies to the bereaved families. Sharif emphasized the government’s commitment to defeating terrorism and declared the nation’s support for its military forces in this battle.

The country has experienced escalating violence in recent years, with most incidents attributed to the TTP. This organization operates independently from but maintains close ties with Afghanistan’s Taliban, who regained control in 2021. The rising number of attacks has created diplomatic tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, as Pakistan claims the TTP operates without restriction from Afghan territory — allegations that both the TTP and Kabul reject.

Last month, Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir challenged Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership to decide between preserving relationships with Islamabad or continuing to support the Pakistani Taliban, the militant organization responsible for numerous recent deadly strikes.

General Munir delivered these statements at his headquarters in Rawalpindi, where he participated in a ceremonial honor guard from all military branches, commemorating the establishment of Pakistan’s unified military command structure.