Six Soldiers Killed in IED Attack on KP Convoy as Pakistan Reports 10 Militants Killed in North Waziristan, Hangu Operations

Pakistan's ISPR said Thursday, September 17, 2026 that six soldiers were martyred and 10 militants killed during a series of counter-terrorism engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between September 15-17. In North Waziristan district, troops conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) after reports of militant presence; ISPR said 'own troops effectively engaged the khawarij location and after intense exchange of fire, six khawarij belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij were sent to hell,' with weapons and ammunition recovered. In a separate encounter in Hangu district, security forces neutralised four more militants. Separately on September 17, an IED planted by militants detonated on a security forces convoy, killing six soldiers; ISPR said 'six brave sons of the soil rendered the ultimate sacrifice.' ISPR reaffirmed its commitment to counter-terrorism operations under the 'Azm-e-Istehkam' framework; no specific unit designations were disclosed.