Pakistan Afghanistan Border Infiltration Attempts Thwarted by Security Forces
In a significant counter-terrorism operation, Pakistani security forces have successfully thwarted major Pakistan Afghanistan border infiltration bids by two large groups of militants, eliminating 25 infiltrators. According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday, the actions targeted Indian-sponsored terrorists, referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij. These incidents occur against a backdrop of ongoing peace talks between Pakistani and Afghan delegations in Turkiye, facilitated by a recent ceasefire brokered in Doha following deadly cross-border clashes.
The military’s media wing reported that on October 24 and 25, security forces detected the movement of two militant groups attempting to cross into Pakistan from Afghanistan. One group was spotted opposite the general area of Spinwam in North Waziristan district, while the other was located near Ghaki in Kurram district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In a precisely executed engagement in Spinwam, troops eliminated 15 militants, including four suicide bombers. A separate operation in the Ghaki area resulted in the death of 10 infiltrating militants. A significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives was recovered from the slain individuals.
Sacrifice and Strategic Implications
The successful operations came at a cost, as five Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom during the intense fire exchanges. The ISPR identified the fallen heroes as Havildar Manzoor Hussain (35, resident of Ghizar district), Sepoy Nauman Ilyas Kiyani (23, resident of Poonch district), Sepoy Muhammad Adil (24, resident of Kasur district), Sepoy Shah Jehan (25, resident of Vehari district), and Sepoy Ali Asghar (25, resident of Pak Pattan district).
The ISPR statement directly linked these infiltration attempts to the intentions of the Interim Afghan Government, stating they “cast doubts” on Kabul’s commitment to addressing terrorism emanating from its soil. Pakistan has consistently urged the Taliban regime to enforce effective border management and honor its obligations under the Doha Agreement to prevent Afghan territory from being used by militants for operations against Pakistan.
National Resolve and Leadership’s Response
Reaffirming the nation’s determination, the ISPR declared that the security forces remain “resolute and unwavering” in their commitment to defending the country’s frontiers. It stated that the sacrifices of soldiers only strengthen this resolve. A subsequent sanitization operation is underway to eliminate any remaining militants in the area. The military vowed that its relentless counter-terrorism campaign, under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, would continue at full pace to eradicate the menace of foreign-sponsored terrorism.
The nation’s leadership commended the security forces. President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the troops, lauding the martyrs and asserting that the “evil intentions of the Khawarij and their Indian patrons will never succeed.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also appreciated the security forces for their successful operations, paid homage to the martyred personnel, and reaffirmed the government’s determination to eliminate all forms of terrorism from the country. These developments follow Pakistan’s recent indefinite extension of border crossing closures with Afghanistan, citing security concerns despite the holding ceasefire.
