ISLAMABAD: Security forces killed 12 militants, including members of the Afghan Taliban, while thwarting an infiltration attempt along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Kurram district, the military’s media wing said on Sunday.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the movement of a group of khwarij attempting to cross into Pakistan from Afghanistan was detected along the international border on October 10.
Security forces, maintaining a high state of alertness and vigilance, effectively foiled the infiltration attempt. The Afghan Taliban posts also opened fire to support the infiltrating group, the statement said.
“Skilful and precise engagement by vigilant troops resulted in killing of twelve Khwarij and Afghan Taliban,” the ISPR said.
During the intense exchange of fire, Naib Subedar Hidayat Aman, 40, a resident of Ghizer district, fought gallantly and embraced martyrdom, according to the statement.
The ISPR said the incident once again highlighted what it described as the Afghan Taliban regime’s failure to prevent terrorist organisations from using Afghan soil for cross-border attacks. It alleged that the regime had facilitated and patronised cross-border terrorism and failed to honour its international counterterrorism obligations.
The military’s media wing said a sanitisation operation was under way to eliminate any other militants found in the area.
It added that security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue their counterterrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam”, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, to eliminate what it described as foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism.
The ISPR said the sacrifices of security personnel reinforced the country’s commitment to protecting its borders and defending the nation.
