At least six Pakistani soldiers were killed and six others wounded when armed militants launched a coordinated attack on security forces in the country’s restive northwest late Monday, according to local security officials.

The assault occurred in Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a region bordering Afghanistan where militant activity has intensified in recent months. Militants opened fire on army personnel stationed in the area, triggering a fierce gun battle that continued for several hours.

Security sources reported that the bodies of the fallen soldiers were retrieved from the scene with great difficulty due to the intensity of the clashes and limited visibility during the night. The injured personnel were safely evacuated and transported to a nearby military hospital for treatment.

Local media said two additional Frontier Corps units were deployed to reinforce the embattled troops, while artillery fire was directed at militant hideouts identified in the rugged terrain.

Preliminary assessments indicate that at least two militants were killed and two others wounded, though security forces have yet to recover any bodies due to the militants’ withdrawal from the area.

The attack comes amid a renewed wave of militant operations across Pakistan’s tribal belt, particularly by groups taking advantage of the porous border and challenging geography. Officials warned that counter-terror operations would continue until the attackers are located and neutralized. (ILKHA)