Pakistani security forces killed 15 militants who were attempting to cross into the country from neighboring Afghanistan, the military announced Thursday. The operation, which involved an exchange of fire that lasted 36 hours, took place in North Waziristan, a district in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The military identified the militants as belonging to the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and alleged that they were sponsored by India. Pakistan has frequently accused Afghanistan and India of supporting the TTP and other militant groups, allegations that both countries deny.
Pakistan's acting President Yousaf Raza Gilani commended the security forces for thwarting the infiltration attempt. He stated that militants backed by India would not be permitted to disrupt Pakistan’s peace and stability, and that counterterrorism operations would continue until terrorism is eradicated.
Militant violence has escalated in Pakistan in recent months, with the TTP being blamed for much of the activity. The TTP is separate from, but allied with, the Afghan Taliban. Pakistan contends that many TTP leaders and fighters have found refuge in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control in 2021, an assertion Kabul disputes.
The Pakistani military stated that this latest incident reinforces its view that the Afghan Taliban government has failed to prevent its territory from being used for attacks against Pakistan. The military’s statement added that the Afghan Taliban regime has consistently failed to ensure effective border management and honor its international obligations.
This development follows Pakistan's Foreign Ministry's statement that progress in improving ties with Afghanistan depends on actions and assurances from Kabul. A Chinese envoy recently visited Islamabad for discussions aimed at easing tensions between the two nations, but improved relations are contingent on verifiable, written assurances from Afghanistan that its territory will not be used for terrorism against Pakistan, according to the ministry.