Zinghara skirmish

On March 15, 2023, militants from Tehrik-e-Taleban Pakistan engaged in a skirmish with Pakistani Special Forces in Zinghara, South Waziristan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Eight jihadists and two civilians were killed, and two soldiers were injured.

Zinghara skirmish
Part of Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Date March 15, 2023 Location Zinghara, South Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Result Pakistani victory
Belligerents
Pakistan Pakistani Special Forces	TTP
Casualties and losses
No injuries	8 killed
2 civilians killed

Background

In late January and early February 2023, the jihadist group Tehrik-e-Taleban Pakistan (TTP) began a resurgence in the Waziristan area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where TTP has waged an insurgency since the early 2000s. Pakistani authorities stated the resurgence was caused by militarization of the region and by guns and militants trafficked by the Taliban in neighboring Afghanistan. In December 2022, the police inspector stated that South Waziristan would be under threat of militants.

Skirmish

The skirmish broke out on March 15, during an offensive in the area led by Pakistani special forces after the government learned of TTP militants located in the area. Pakistani forces encountered the militants in Zinghara, and Pakistani authorities described the fighting as "intense." Eight militants and two civilian children were killed during the battle. Two soldiers were injured as well. Pakistani authorities also stated that weapons and ammo were captured.

Following the attack, TTP fighters ambushed and killed Pakistani soldiers in Havelian, killing eleven people including local politicians.