Pakistani security forces raided a Pakistani Taliban hideout near the Afghan border before dawn Wednesday, sparking a fierce gunbattle that killed 11 soldiers and 19 terrorists, 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 as "Khwarij," a term which the government uses for terrorists 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.
