Pakistan Army Blames ‘Indian Proxy’ After Major Killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Operation

The Pakistan Army has accused India of backing militants following the death of Major Sibtain Haider during an anti-terrorism operation in Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major Haider, who hailed from Quetta, was leading troops in an intelligence-based operation when he was killed by fighters from the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The military said seven “India-backed” terrorists were neutralised in the encounter.

The operation occurred just a day after 11 Pakistani soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel and another major, were killed in clashes with TTP militants in the Orakzai district. Nineteen militants were reportedly eliminated during that earlier confrontation.

In a statement quoted by Dawn, the ISPR said the Pakistan Army remains determined to eliminate “Indian-sponsored terrorism” from the country, adding that “the sacrifices of our brave sons further strengthen our resolve.”

The military has recently intensified counterterrorism operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan as militant attacks surge. The escalation follows the TTP’s decision in November 2022 to end its ceasefire with the government and resume targeting security forces and law enforcement agencies.