Khyber Pakhtunkhwa gunfight kills captain and 10 terrorists

In a recent military operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, at least 10 terrorists were killed during a gunfight with security forces. Tragically, an Army captain also lost his life in the attack. The operation took place on March 20, following reports of terrorist activity in the area. Captain Hasnain Akhtar was recognized for his bravery and leadership during the intense exchange of fire. The military's media wing described him as a courageous officer known for his daring actions in past operations. After the gunfight, the Army conducted a search, recovering weapons and ammunition from the deceased terrorists. The terrorists involved are linked to a banned organization and have carried out numerous attacks on law enforcement and civilians. Following the operation, the military announced an effort to clear the area of terrorism and affirmed its commitment to combat this threat. Pakistan has seen an increase in terrorist attacks since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, impacting regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Recent data shows a 42 percent rise in militant attacks in January 2025 compared to the previous month, resulting in 91 deaths, including both security personnel and civilians. There were also many injuries reported during these attacks.