Pakistan Army’s Failed Rescue Operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Leads to Over 100 Deaths

Islamabad, March 12: The death toll in the hijacking incident in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has crossed 100, almost all of whom are military personnel, following a botched rescue operation by the Pakistan Army. The operation, aimed at securing hostages held by heavily armed militants, turned into a catastrophe as security forces faced fierce resistance, resulting in heavy casualties.

Failed Operation Turns Deadly

According to sources, the Pakistan Army launched an assault late Monday night in an attempt to neutralize the hostage-takers and rescue abducted security personnel. However, the militants, believed to be affiliated with Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), had anticipated the attack and had fortified their positions. As the military moved in, they faced intense gunfire and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), leading to a high number of fatalities among the soldiers.

Eyewitnesses in the region reported hearing loud explosions and continuous gunfire throughout the night. The operation, instead of neutralizing the hijackers, escalated the violence, leading to one of the deadliest encounters in recent years.

How the Hijacking Unfolded

The crisis began when militants seized control of a military convoy moving through the region, taking several high-ranking officers and soldiers hostage. The group used the captured personnel as human shields to deter an immediate military response. Intelligence officials now believe that the militants had a well-planned strategy, exploiting Pakistan’s ongoing internal security struggles.

The hijackers reportedly made demands, including the release of detained insurgents and withdrawal of security forces from tribal areas. Pakistan’s government, however, refused to negotiate, opting for a military operation instead.

Rising Toll and Strategic Fallout

As per local reports, the death toll is expected to rise further, with many soldiers critically wounded. Several helicopters were also deployed for air support, but militant fire disabled at least one aircraft.

The failed operation has sparked severe criticism against Pakistan’s military leadership, with experts questioning their approach in handling hostage crises. Security analysts argue that the operation was launched without adequate intelligence on the hijackers’ firepower and defensive positions, leading to a disastrous outcome.

Government and Military’s Response

In an official statement, Pakistan’s military confirmed the deaths but did not disclose the exact number. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, claimed that “several terrorists” had been eliminated but admitted that security forces had suffered “significant losses.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired an emergency meeting with top military officials and intelligence agencies to assess the situation. Pakistan’s government is now under pressure to explain the intelligence failure and the lack of a successful counter-strategy.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders have slammed the government’s handling of the situation, with some calling for an independent inquiry into the failed operation.

Regional and International Reactions

The international community has expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Pakistan. Neighboring Afghanistan, which has been accused of providing safe havens to TTP militants, has denied any involvement. The United Nations has urged restraint and called for diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation.

India, which has closely monitored the crisis, has heightened its security along the border, fearing potential spillover effects. The United States and the United Kingdom have advised their citizens in Pakistan to remain cautious, highlighting the increasing threat of militant activity in the country.

What Lies Ahead?

This incident marks a major setback for Pakistan’s security apparatus and highlights the growing strength of militant groups in the region. The failure of the rescue operation not only exposes the vulnerabilities of the Pakistan Army but also raises concerns about future counterterrorism measures.

As the country mourns the loss of its soldiers, questions remain about whether Pakistan’s military will reassess its strategy or continue with aggressive counter-insurgency operations in its restive northwestern regions.