Suicide Bombing in North Waziristan Claims Lives of 13 Soldiers

A devastating suicide bombing in North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killed 13 Pakistani soldiers and injured 24 others, including civilians, on June 28, 2025. The attack targeted a military convoy in the Mir Ali area when a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle belonging to the Bomb Disposal Unit. The explosion, which occurred in the Khaddi village, also caused structural damage to nearby homes, injuring six children due to collapsing roofs.

The military’s media wing reported that the attack was carried out by a local militant group, with some sources attributing it to a faction led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur, a breakaway segment of the Pakistani Taliban. In response, security forces launched a clearance operation, neutralizing 14 militants in the area. The incident has heightened concerns about the deteriorating security situation in North Waziristan, a region bordering Afghanistan that has seen frequent militant attacks.

Pakistan has experienced a sharp rise in terrorism-related incidents, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the collapse of a ceasefire with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in November 2022. The Global Terrorism Index 2025 ranks Pakistan second globally for terrorism-related deaths, with 1,081 fatalities reported last year, a 45% increase from 2023. Recent military operations in the region, including one in Datta Khel earlier this month that killed 14 terrorists, reflect ongoing efforts to curb the growing threat.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the attack, praising the bravery of the fallen soldiers and expressing condolences to their families. The military has vowed to continue operations to eliminate terrorism, emphasizing the resolve of security forces despite such losses. Posts on X reflect public outrage and calls for stronger measures against militancy, with some users highlighting the recurring nature of attacks in Waziristan.

This tragic event underscores the persistent challenge of militancy in Pakistan’s northwestern regions, raising questions about long-term strategies to restore stability.

Published in SouthAsianDesk, June 28th, 2025

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