Pakistan: Attack in North Waziristan kills one soldier April 13

Event

One soldier and at least two suspected militants were killed during a firefight in the Dargai area near Datta Khel (North Waziristan) on Monday, April 13. The soldiers were reportedly conducting a security operation in the area when they came under fire from unknown assailants. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

Context

Extremist Islamist groups, including the terrorist organization Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TPP) and various terrorist groups under its umbrella, continue to pose a threat throughout the country despite continued army offensives to push them from their northwestern strongholds near the Afghan border. Pakistan has suffered a number of deadly attacks this year, notably in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the Tribal Areas, Peshawar, and Lahore.

Advice

Due to the high threat of terrorism and other forms of violent crime, individuals in Pakistan are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities (their diplomatic mission or security manager). As a reminder, all Western embassies in Pakistan advise their citizens against nonessential travel to the country. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place.