Pakistan conducts operations in border areas within Afghanistan, says Foreign Office

ISLAMABAD: On Monday morning, Pakistan conducted intelligence-based counter-terrorism operations in border areas within Afghanistan, targeting militants affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), as announced by the Foreign Office.

The Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, in conjunction with the TTP, has been held responsible for numerous terrorist attacks within Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and law enforcement personnel. The most recent attack occurred on March 16, 2024, at a security post in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, claiming the lives of seven Pakistani soldiers.

Pakistan has consistently raised concerns with the Interim Afghan Government over the presence of terrorist organizations, including the TTP, within Afghanistan, emphasizing the threat they pose to Pakistan’s security. Pakistan has stressed the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing this menace while respecting Afghanistan’s sovereignty.

Efforts have been made to urge Afghan authorities to take concrete actions to prevent Afghan soil from being used as a base for attacks against Pakistan and to dismantle safe havens for the TTP, including handing over its leadership.

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While expressing respect for the Afghan people, Pakistan has criticized certain elements within the Afghan government for supporting the TTP, considering it a shortsighted approach that ignores Pakistan’s longstanding support for Afghanistan. Pakistan urges these elements to reconsider their alignment with terrorists and to stand with Pakistan.

Recognizing the collective threat posed by groups like the TTP to regional peace and security, Pakistan is committed to collaborating with Afghan authorities to counter terrorism and prevent it from affecting bilateral relations negatively.

On March 16, a group of six terrorists attacked a security post in Mir Ali, North Waziristan.

Despite the troops initially thwarting the attack, the terrorists managed to breach the post using an explosive-laden vehicle, followed by suicide bombings.

Five soldiers, including Havildar Sabir, Naik Khurshid, Sepoy Nasir, Sepoy Raja, and Sepoy Sajjad, were martyred. In the ensuing clearance operation, led by Lieutenant Colonel Kashif, all six terrorists were neutralized. However, during the exchange of fire, Lieutenant Colonel Syed Kashif Ali and Captain Muhammad Ahmed Badar bravely fought and embraced martyrdom.