Explosion, Gunfire Rock Pakistan's North Waziristan Amid Rising Militancy

• An explosion and heavy gunfire were reported in Mir Ali Bazar, North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
• The incident occurred six days after four soldiers were killed in an attack in North Waziristan's Boya area.
• Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has ramped up attacks against the Pakistani state, particularly in the tribal northwest.
• 2025 has been the deadliest year for Pakistan since 2014, with 3,886 killed in 1,047 incidents, per SATP.
• Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is also active, seeking a separate nation-state for the Baloch people.

Why It Matters: North Waziristan sees fresh violence as TTP and other militant groups escalate attacks in Pakistan.