The gunfight broke out between security forces and militants in the Spinwam area of North Waziristan when the forces launched an intelligence-based operation.

Attacks by the TTP on Pakistan’s security forces have seen an uptick in the past few months. Just three days back, a soldier was killed in an attack by TTP militants near Turbat Airport. Similarly, on 14 June, four soldiers, including a junior commissioned officer, were killed in Baluchistan in an IED attack.

"Such cowardly acts by inimical elements, backed by anti-state forces could not sabotage the hard-earned peace and prosperity in the province,” the army said on Sunday.

The group, in the past few months, has taken responsibility for most high-profile attacks, including the one on Serena Hotel in Quetta. The country’s army has also acknowledged the resurgence in the activities of the group they believe operates from sanctuaries in Afghanistan.

There were also reports of TTP collaborating with Baloch insurgents in mounting attacks against security forces in Balochistan--a claim later denied by the TTP.