In a major counterterrorism breakthrough, Pakistan’s security forces neutralised four terrorists, including a senior Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander, during an infiltration attempt from Afghanistan into Bajaur district, the military’s media wing confirmed on Thursday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the group of terrorists was detected on the night of October 29 and 30 as they attempted to cross the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. “Own troops effectively engaged and thwarted Khawarij’s attempt to infiltrate,” the statement read. “As a result of precise and skilful engagement, four militants, including Khawarij leader and high-value target Amjad alias Mazahim, were sent to hell.”
High-Value Target Eliminated
The ISPR identified the slain commander Amjad as the deputy to TTP chief Noor Wali and head of the group’s so-called Rehbari Shura. He was a key figure in the Indian-backed Fitna al-Khawarij network and carried a bounty of Rs5 million. Amjad was wanted by law enforcement agencies for orchestrating multiple terrorist attacks inside Pakistan while operating from Afghan soil.
The military described the operation as a precise strike against a high-value target that disrupted a key terrorist network attempting to infiltrate Pakistani territory.
Sanitisation and Counterterrorism Operations
Following the engagement, a sanitisation operation was launched in Bajaur to clear the area of any remaining militants. The ISPR reaffirmed that under the ongoing “Azm-e-Istehkam” campaign, security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue their efforts to eliminate the menace of foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
The statement added that TTP leadership residing in Afghanistan continues to orchestrate infiltration attempts into Pakistan, aiming to project an illusion of a domestic presence and to bolster the dwindling morale of their fighters in Bajaur and Mohmand due to effective counterterror operations.
“It is once again reiterated that the interim Afghan government must take concrete measures to ensure that Afghan soil is not used by Khawarij proxies to perpetrate terrorism against Pakistan,” the ISPR stressed. “This confirms our stance that Afghan soil continues to serve as a haven for anti-Pakistan elements.”
Series of Successful Operations
The Bajaur operation followed a series of successful intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Balochistan, where security forces killed 18 terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan, an India-backed militant faction. In the Chiltan Mountains area of Quetta district, 14 terrorists were neutralised after an intense exchange of fire. Another four militants were eliminated in a separate IBO in Buleda, Kech district.
These actions come as part of Pakistan’s intensified campaign to curb cross-border terrorism and neutralise networks that have targeted security forces and civilians alike.
Mounting Regional Tensions
Pakistan has been facing a renewed wave of terrorist attacks since the Afghan Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021. Despite repeated appeals, the Taliban regime has failed to act decisively against groups using Afghan territory to stage attacks against Pakistan.
The tensions between the two countries escalated earlier this month when Afghan forces engaged in unprovoked firing along the border on October 12, prompting swift retaliation from Pakistan’s Armed Forces. Over 200 Taliban fighters were killed in the ensuing clashes, though 23 Pakistani soldiers also embraced martyrdom.
Subsequent strikes by Pakistani forces targeted terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan, including in Kabul, forcing the Taliban to request a temporary ceasefire, which was accepted by Pakistan on October 17.
Dialogue Efforts and Continuing Challenges
Following the ceasefire, delegations from both countries met in Doha for talks mediated by Qatar, resulting in an agreement to sustain the truce. A second round of negotiations took place in Istanbul under Turkiye’s mediation but ended inconclusively after four days, with Pakistani authorities citing “illogical” arguments from the Taliban delegation.
Despite diplomatic efforts, Pakistan’s security apparatus continues to rely on firm military action to safeguard national sovereignty and curb cross-border terrorism. The ISPR reaffirmed that the Armed Forces remain steadfast in defending Pakistan’s frontiers against all threats.
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