Pakistan repels infiltration attempt by militants on border with Afghanistan

Pakistan's security forces successfully repelled an infiltration attempt by Khwarij militants on the Pak-Afghan border, killing 16 militants during an exchange of gunfire, a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

The infiltration attempt occurred in the Ghulam Khan Kaley area of North Waziristan, where militants attempted to cross into Pakistani territory from Afghanistan. Security forces stationed along the border intercepted the group, resulting in a fierce firefight, Caliber.Az reports citing Pakistani media.

The ISPR confirmed that 16 militants were killed during the exchange, while no casualties were reported on the Pakistani side. The statement did not provide additional details about the identities of the militants or their affiliations.

In its statement, the ISPR emphasized Pakistan's repeated calls to the Afghan interim government to take action against the use of Afghan territory by militant groups launching attacks against Pakistan. "It is expected that the Afghan authorities will fulfill their obligations in controlling cross-border terrorism," the military's media wing stated.

The incident is part of a broader pattern of cross-border militant activity in the region. Over the past few months, Pakistan's security forces have conducted a series of operations in border areas to counter such threats. These operations are a critical part of Pakistan’s strategy to secure the porous Pak-Afghan border and prevent militants from exploiting the region's vulnerabilities.

The ISPR reiterated the military’s firm commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and eliminating terrorism within its borders. The statement underscored the importance of continued efforts to neutralize militant threats and ensure the security of the country.

By Vafa Guliyeva