Pakistan: Suicide Bombing in North Waziristan Kills 16 Soldiers, Pakistani Taliban Faction Claims Responsibility
In a devastating assault on Pakistani security forces, at least 16 soldiers were killed and over two dozen individuals, including civilians and children, were injured when a suicide bomber targeted a military convoy on Saturday. The attack occurred in North Waziristan, a turbulent area within Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, adjacent to Afghanistan.
Local government and police officials reported that the attacker drove an explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy. The ensuing powerful blast resulted in significant destruction, leading to the collapse of nearby homes and injuring at least six children.
The Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, a faction of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), or the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the suicide attack. A statement from the group's suicide wing confirmed their involvement.
The initial reports indicated 13 fatalities, but local authorities later updated the death toll to 16. The identities of the deceased soldiers have not yet been released, as their families still need to be informed.
Pakistan has experienced a marked increase in terrorist attacks, especially in its northwestern and southwestern regions, since the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban government of allowing anti-Pakistan militants to operate from Afghan territory—a charge the Taliban administration denies.
The district of North Waziristan has historically been a hub for militancy, prompting numerous military operations by Pakistani forces in recent years. However, despite these efforts, the area continues to grapple with terrorist incidents.
Data compiled by AFP indicates that around 290 individuals, predominantly security personnel, have been killed in insurgent attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan since the start of 2025.
The tragic bombing has renewed demands for enhanced border security and improved counter-terrorism intelligence. Although there has been no official statement from Pakistan's military or government, the attack highlights the escalating threat from domestic militant factions with ties across the border.
This incident is another somber addition to Pakistan’s internal security struggles and is likely to intensify tensions between Islamabad and Kabul regarding militant strongholds near their shared border.
