Six soldiers killed in Pakistan attack by local Taliban, army reports

Military says attack on Wednesday took place on a base in the country's north-west

Pakistani soldiers patrol an army-run school in Peshawar, after it was attacked by Taliban militants. AFP
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At least six soldiers have been killed in Pakistan during an attack by supporters of the Taliban movement, the Pakistani army said.

The military said the attack on Wednesday took place on a base in the country's north-west that was claimed by the local version of the Taliban. Tehrik i Taliban Pakistan, or the Pakistani Taliban, has fought with security forces since 2002, having declared the aim of overthrowing Pakistan's government.

"During intense exchange of fire, six soldiers, having fought gallantly, embraced shahadat [martyrdom]," a military statement said.

Security analysts say the Pakistani Taliban, which suffered factionalism for a number of years, has been revitalised by new leadership and has benefited from an influx of military equipment from Afghanistan, after the collapse of the Afghan army last year.

Updated: March 30, 2022, 3:24 PM