ISLAMABAD 

At least 12 Pakistani security personnel were killed in the first week of 2025 while 19 suspected militants were also killed during intelligence-based operations, said the Pakistan Army.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistan Army's media wing, during the last two days at least 19 terrorists were killed in three operations carried out in Peshawar, Mohmand and Karak districts of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

During intense fire exchange, three soldiers also lost their lives, according to the army.

"Security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve," said the ISPR.

Earlier, at least six people, including five soldiers, were killed when an explosive-laden vehicle hit a coach in the Turbat area of Kech district in southwestern Balochistan province on Saturday.

Four policemen also lost their lives in two different attacks in Dera Ismail Khan and Lakki Marwat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The year 2024 was the deadliest for Pakistan security forces as at least 685 security personnel and officers were killed in 444 terror attacks, according to the Center for Research and Security Studies.