Pakistan militant raid kills at least 4 soldiers

A militant raid on a Pakistan fort killed at least four soldiers on Saturday, a senior intelligence official and the military said, the latest in a streak of attacks targeting state forces.

More than 1,600 people were killed in attacks in Pakistan in 2024 – the deadliest year in almost a decade – according to the Center for Research and Security Studies, an Islamabad-based analysis group.

Most militant violence in Pakistan takes place in its western regions bordering Afghanistan and Iran.

The attack on Tall Fort in Miran Shah – a northwestern town just over 10 kilometres (six miles) from the Afghan border – began around 10am, according to the intelligence official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“More than two dozen armed militants launched a heavy-weapon assault,” he said.

He said initial reports indicated an officer and four soldiers were killed, “while an exchange of fire between the forces and militants from the banned group is still ongoing”.

“There are concerns that the death toll may rise,” he said.