Fact Check: "14 security personnel killed in Waziristan suicide attack."
What We Know
On June 28, 2025, a suicide bombing occurred in North Waziristan, Pakistan, resulting in significant casualties among security personnel. Reports indicate that at least 13 soldiers were killed in the attack, with some sources stating the death toll could be as high as 14 soldiers (Reuters, Hindustan Times). The bombing targeted a military convoy in Khadi Market, Mir Ali, and was attributed to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur faction of the Pakistani Taliban (Al Jazeera, Hindustan Times).
In addition to the fatalities, the attack left 24 personnel injured, including 14 civilians (Al Jazeera). The explosives used in the attack were reported to weigh approximately 800 kilograms (Hindustan Times).
Analysis
The claim that "14 security personnel were killed" is partially true based on the conflicting reports from various sources. While some reports, such as those from the Hindustan Times and Yahoo News, confirm that 14 soldiers died, other reputable sources like Al Jazeera and Reuters report the death toll as 13 soldiers (Al Jazeera, Reuters).
The discrepancy in the reported death toll may stem from the chaotic nature of the incident and the evolving nature of casualty figures in the immediate aftermath of such attacks. The Pakistani military's official account has also stated that 13 soldiers were killed, which adds a layer of credibility to that figure (Hindustan Times).
The Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, which claimed responsibility for the attack, is known for its violent actions against security forces, and the attack is part of a broader trend of increasing violence in the region since the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan (Hindustan Times).
While the 14 fatalities claim is supported by some reports, the 13 fatalities figure is more widely reported and corroborated by official military sources. This inconsistency suggests that while the attack was indeed deadly, the exact number of security personnel killed remains uncertain.
Conclusion
The claim that "14 security personnel were killed in Waziristan suicide attack" is partially true. While some reports support this figure, the more commonly cited number is 13, as confirmed by multiple reputable sources. The confusion may arise from the chaotic aftermath of the attack and varying reports from different media outlets. Therefore, while the attack was indeed severe and resulted in multiple casualties, the exact number of fatalities among security personnel is not definitively established.
Sources
- Suicide bombing kills 13 Pakistani soldiers near Afghan border
- At least 13 soldiers killed in suicide bombing in northwestern Pakistan
- 800 kg of explosives: How suicide blast hit military convoy in Pakistan's North Waziristan killing 14 soldiers
- Suicide car bombing in Pakistan kills 14 soldiers and injures many
