Dozens of Taliban fighters killed by Pakistani security forces in raids

In a statement by the Pakistani military, they announced several raids have been conducted on TTP hideouts near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Official reports claim that over the course of several raids, 45 TTP fighters were slain.

Additionally, the military reported that 19 Pakistani soldiers in Bajaur, South Waziristan, and Lower Dir “having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom”.

Islamabad has laid claims that Afghanistan aids the TTP in staging attacks within their borders. Furthermore, it called on Kabul to “uphold its responsibilities and deny use of its soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan”.

The raids were said to be the result of an intelligence operation, with the Pakistani government voicing suspicions that the group is receiving outside assistance.

Al Jazeera reports that over 460 people, mostly security forces, have been killed in clashes with the TTP since the beginning of the year.