Islamabad: Pakistan’s security forces have foiled an attempted infiltration from Afghanistan into North Waziristan, killing 15 militants during a 36-hour engagement, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The militants attempted to cross into Pakistan along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border during the night between August 31 and September 1, but their movement was detected by security forces. Troops responded and engaged the infiltrators in a prolonged operation that continued for around 36 hours.
According to ISPR, 15 militants identified as Fitna-al-Khawarij were killed during the engagement. Security forces subsequently conducted a sanitisation operation in the area and recovered a significant quantity of weapons and ammunition from the militants.
The military said the attempted infiltration was aimed at disrupting peace and stability in Pakistan. ISPR also reiterated its concerns regarding the use of Afghan territory for cross-border terrorism and said the Afghan Taliban authorities had failed to ensure effective border management, according to the military’s statement.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for successfully thwarting the infiltration attempt and paid tribute to the personnel involved. He said counterterrorism efforts under Azm-e-Istehkam would continue with determination until the threat of terrorism is eliminated.
The latest incident comes amid continuing security tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and follows repeated Pakistani concerns over militant activity originating from Afghan territory.
