By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Security forces have thwarted a major infiltration attempt by terrorists along the volatile Pak-Afghan border, arresting five alleged suicide bombers in a tense operation that highlights the escalating threat of militancy in the region.
The incident unfolded on July 17 at approximately 5 pm, when a group of terrorists, referred to by Pakistani authorities as “Khawarij”, attempted to cross from Afghanistan into Pakistan. Acting swiftly on intelligence, security forces established checkpoints across the border area, blocking the militants’ advance. The terrorists, unable to proceed, took refuge in a mosque in the village of Besikhel, where they were quickly surrounded and forced to surrender after a standoff.
“Pakistani security forces have foiled an infiltration attempt by Khawarij along the Pak-Afghan border,” state-run PTV News reported, citing security sources. “The Khawarij advanced towards Azizkhel and Mandikhel, but due to the heavy presence of security forces, they were forced to take refuge in the mosque in Besikhel, where the forces immediately surrounded them and forced them to surrender.”
The five suspects, all Afghan citizens aged between 15 and 18, were taken into custody. Three of them carried Afghan identity cards, authorities said. They have been moved to an undisclosed location for interrogation as security forces work to uncover the scope of their plans. In response, authorities have issued an alert across the border region and launched search operations to root out any additional threats.
The foiled infiltration is the latest in a series of incidents underscoring Pakistan’s struggle to contain a resurgence of terrorism, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The violence has intensified since November 2022, when the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an umbrella group of Islamist militants, ended a fragile ceasefire with the government.
Earlier this month, security forces killed at least 30 terrorists in North Waziristan district while repelling another infiltration attempt linked to “Indian proxy.” On July 9, eight militants were killed in Bajaur district after crossing from Afghanistan’s Kunar province into Lowi Mamund tehsil.
Despite a slight decline in militant violence in June 2025, attacks remain frequent. The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (Picss) reported 78 militant attacks last month, resulting in 100 deaths, including 53 security personnel, 39 civilians, six militants, and two peace committee members.
Balochistan, in particular, has seen a spike in violence. On Friday, gunmen attacked a Balochistan Constabulary convoy on the National Highway in Mastung district, killing Acting Deputy Superintendent of Police Abdul Razzaq and Constable Raza Muhammad Jam. Two other officers, Constables Taj Muhammad and Khursheed Ahmed, were injured. “A police convoy coming from Kalat to Quetta was targeted by terrorists,” said Shahid Rind, a provincial government spokesperson. The victims were airlifted to Quetta for treatment.
“Terrorist incidents are a manifestation of the despair of the enemies of peace. The morale of the people of Balochistan and the security forces cannot be diminished,” Rind said.
He added that a formal investigation has been launched and vowed that “the elements involved will be brought to justice.” A search operation is underway to apprehend the assailants, with security forces deployed to the site near the Choto area of Mastung.
Friday’s arrests along the border have heightened scrutiny of the Pak-Afghan frontier, a rugged and porous stretch long exploited by militant groups. The involvement of Afghan teenagers, some as young as 15—raises troubling questions about the recruitment and radicalization of youth in the region.
Officials have pointed fingers at external actors, with PTV News quoting security sources alleging that “India is giving full support to the Khawarij separatist movement to fuel terrorism in Pakistan.”
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the Mastung attack and extended condolences to the victims’ families. In a statement, he assailed what the government calls “Fitna-Al-Hindustan,” a term used to describe terrorist organizations backed by India in Balochistan. “We will not let these enemies of peace succeed,” he said.
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