Pakistani security forces raided a hideout of the Pakistani Taliban near the Afghan border before dawn Wednesday, triggering a fierce gunbattle that left 11 soldiers and 19 militants dead, the military said.
The operation took place in Orakzai district in the restive northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to a statement from the military.
The military described the slain insurgents as “Khwarij,” a term which the government uses for militants it claims are backed by India, including members of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Baloch Liberation Army.
Pakistani authorities have long accused New Delhi of supporting separatists in Balochistan and Pakistani Taliban fighters, allegations India denies.
In a brief statement, the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for attacking troops in Orakzai.
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