Rawalpindi, December 28, 2024: In a significant escalation of cross-border tensions, over 15 militants, including members of foreign insurgent groups and the Afghan Taliban, were reportedly killed or injured during attempts to infiltrate Pakistan.
According to sources, during the nights of December 27 and 28, around 20 to 25 militants from the extremist faction known as “Khawarij” used Afghan Taliban-controlled border posts to attempt incursions at two locations in Kurram and North Waziristan. Pakistani security forces acted swiftly, thwarting the infiltration attempts. Early on December 28, the militants, unable to cross the border, retaliated with unprovoked heavy weapons fire on Pakistani posts, using Afghan Taliban positions as cover.
Credible reports suggest the retaliatory action by Pakistani forces inflicted significant losses on the attackers. Over 15 militants, including members of the Khawarij and Afghan Taliban, were reportedly killed, and several others injured. The counteroffensive also forced the Afghan Taliban to abandon six of their border posts, with additional losses on the Afghan side anticipated as information continues to surface.
No casualties were reported among Pakistani security forces, though three personnel sustained injuries.
Sources emphasize that Pakistan has repeatedly urged the interim Afghan government to prevent its territory from being used by extremist elements against Pakistan. However, instead of curbing these groups, the Afghan Taliban have allegedly supported them. The Khawarij are reportedly operating freely within Afghanistan, exploiting its territory to carry out anti-Pakistan activities.
Pakistan’s security forces reaffirmed their commitment to defending the country’s borders and their readiness to respond decisively to any aggression.
