25 Terrorists Killed in Cross-Border Infiltration Bids

News Desk

Islamabad: Pakistan’s security forces have foiled infiltration attempts by two large groups of Indian-sponsored terrorists from across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, killing 25 militants in separate operations, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Sunday.

The infiltration attempts occurred even as Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban are engaged in peace talks in Turkiye, following a Doha-mediated ceasefire after recent deadly clashes between the two neighbours.

According to the ISPR, troops detected two large groups of terrorists attempting to infiltrate opposite the Ghaki area of Kurram District and Spinwam in North Waziristan between October 24 and 25.

“The infiltrators belonged to Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij,” the ISPR said, adding that troops skillfully engaged and eliminated the threats during two separate encounters.

In Spinwam, security forces killed 15 militants, including four suicide bombers, while in Ghaki, 10 infiltrators were neutralised. A large cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives was recovered from the slain terrorists.

During the intense exchanges of fire, five soldiers embraced martyrdom.

They were identified as:

Havildar Manzoor Hussain, 35, resident of Ghizar district

Sepoy Nauman Ilyas Kiyani, 23, resident of Poonch district

Sepoy Muhammad Adil, 24, resident of Kasur district

Sepoy Shah Jehan, 25, resident of Vehari district

Sepoy Ali Asghar, 25, resident of Pakpattan district

The military’s media wing said the infiltration attempts “cast doubts on the intentions of the Interim Afghan Government regarding its commitment to curb terrorism emanating from its soil.”

Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban regime to fulfil its obligations under the Doha Agreement by ensuring effective border management and denying safe havens to militants attacking Pakistan.

Reaffirming its stance, the ISPR said, “The security forces of Pakistan remain resolute and unwavering in their commitment to defend the nation’s frontiers. The sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.”

A sanitisation operation is underway in the area to eliminate any remaining infiltrators. The statement added that Pakistan’s counterterrorism drive under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam — approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan — will continue at full pace to root out foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated this month following border clashes that left dozens dead on both sides, marking the worst violence since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Kabul. Pakistan has since closed border crossings indefinitely, prioritising security over trade movement.

A ceasefire mediated by Qatar and Turkiye last weekend is currently holding, though border trade remains suspended.

President, PM Commend Security Forces

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the security forces for foiling the infiltration attempts and paid rich tribute to the martyrs.

President Zardari said the “evil intentions of the Khawarij and their Indian patrons will never succeed”, reaffirming that Operation Azm-e-Istehkam would continue until terrorism is completely eradicated.

“The nation will always remain proud of the sacrifices of its brave sons,” he said.