Four soldiers martyred as security forces foil attack on camp in North Waziristan

RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – Four terrorists were killed and four soldiers were martyred after security forces successfully foiled an attack on a military camp in the Boya area of North Waziristan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday.

According to the military’s media wing, the attackers belonged to Fitna-al-Khawarij, the state-designated term for militants linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. ISPR said the group was operating with Indian sponsorship and carried out a coordinated assault targeting a security forces’ camp in the Bannu subdivision of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district.

The attack began when a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the outer wall of the Boya fort early Friday morning, triggering a powerful blast. Eyewitnesses said the explosion was so intense that it was heard as far as Miranshah, nearly 25 kilometres away. The blast caused partial damage to the outer wall of the battalion headquarters and led to the collapse of sections of the boundary structure.

ISPR stated that following the explosion, four to five militants attempted to breach the camp and enter the premises. Security personnel responded swiftly, engaging the attackers in a fierce exchange of fire that prevented them from infiltrating the facility. Three militants were killed on the spot during the initial response, while the fourth was neutralised as the operation continued.

During the heavy firefight, four soldiers of the Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom. ISPR identified them as Havaldar Muhammad Waqas, Naik Khanwaiz, Sepoy Sufiyan Haider, and Sepoy Riffat. The military said the soldiers fought courageously and stopped the attackers from causing further damage inside the camp.

Earlier reports from police sources had suggested that assailants briefly managed to enter the compound and opened fire, leading to confusion over the scale of the breach. However, ISPR clarified that the attackers were prevented from establishing any foothold within the camp, and the situation was brought under control through timely and effective action.

The blast also caused damage to nearby civilian properties, including a mosque. Local authorities reported that at least 15 civilians, including women and children, sustained injuries due to the explosion and flying debris. The injured were shifted to medical facilities in Miranshah, where several were reported to be in serious condition.

Immediately after the attack, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a comprehensive clearance operation. A heavy contingent of police and security personnel reached the site, while specialised bomb disposal squads were deployed to collect forensic evidence and inspect the damaged areas. Rescue 1122 teams and medical staff remained engaged in emergency and relief operations throughout the day.

ISPR said evidence was being gathered from the site and investigations were under way. The military added that the attack was planned and facilitated by Khawarij elements operating from Afghanistan, describing the incident as being in direct contradiction to claims that militant groups no longer operate from Afghan soil.

The incident occurred nearly two months after a similar attack was thwarted in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan, where four militants were killed after security forces foiled a suicide bombing attempt on a military camp. In that incident, a vehicle packed with explosives was driven into the camp’s perimeter wall, followed by an attempted assault by additional attackers.