Islamist militants ambushed a Pakistani military convoy near the Afghan border on Wednesday, killing nine paramilitary soldiers and two officers, Reuters reported citing sources, with the Pakistani Taliban claiming responsibility.
Roadside bombs hit the convoy before a large number of militants launched a gun attack in the northwestern district of Kurram, five Pakistan security officials told Reuters.In a statement to a Reuters reporter the Pakistani Taliban said their fighters attacked the convoy.
The army’s public relations wing did not immediately respond to a request for a comment.
In recent months, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, who want to overthrow the government and replace it with their hardline brand of Islamic governance, have stepped up attacks on Pakistani security forces. Islamabad says the militants use neighbouring Afghanistan to train and plan attacks against Pakistan, a charge Kabul denies.
Pakistan has seen a surge in militant violence in recent years, most of it claimed by the Pakistani Taliban. The group, separate from but allied with the Afghan Taliban, has been emboldened since the latter group seized power in Kabul in 2021. Many Pakistani Taliban leaders and fighters are believed to be operating from sanctuaries across the border in Afghanistan.
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