In a significant military operation, Pakistan’s armed forces have reported the killing of 54 militants who attempted to infiltrate the country from Afghanistan. This operation took place in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where security forces detected a large group of individuals attempting to cross the border between Friday and Sunday.
According to a statement released by the army, these militants were reportedly acting under the direction of their “foreign masters,” with the intention of executing high-profile terrorist activities within Pakistan. The army emphasized that such infiltrations occur amidst ongoing accusations from India, suggesting that these actions are orchestrated by external entities.
The resurgence of militancy in Pakistan has been notable since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021. The Pakistani government has alleged that attackers are finding refuge in Afghanistan, thus complicating security dynamics in the region. India’s allegations against Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism have escalated, particularly following a deadly attack in Kashmir that left 26 civilians dead earlier this year. Pakistan has firmly rejected these claims.
In the recent military engagement, the army also recovered a substantial cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives from the insurgents. This operation follows another in which 15 militants were killed in clashes across the province, resulting in the deaths of two Pakistani soldiers as well.
So far this year, violence has intensified, with over 200 fatalities reported, primarily among security forces, due to confrontations with armed groups in both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commented on the situation, stating that the militants’ actions are being fueled by external forces aiming to destabilize Pakistan. He highlighted the tactical advantage of the operation, noting that the soldiers attacked the militants from multiple directions, marking a significant blow to the insurgents.
The current security landscape reflects an alarming trend, as last year was reported to be one of the deadliest in nearly a decade, particularly along the western border. Pakistan has continually pressed the Taliban government to take action against militant groups operating from Afghan territory, a request that Kabul has consistently denied.
