By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces thwarted an infiltration attempt from Afghanistan, killing five militants in a border clash that also claimed the lives of three soldiers, the military said on Monday.
The incident occurred in Bajaur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where troops foiled the attempt by a group of militants to cross the border from Afghanistan, the military said in a statement.
“On night August 18/19, 2024, movement of a group of khwarij (outcasts), who were trying to infiltrate Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was picked up by the security forces in Bajaur district, the military’s media wing, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), said.
“Own troops effectively engaged and thwarted their attempt to infiltrate. Resultantly, five khwarij of Fitna al Khwarij were sent to hell, while four khwarij got injured.”
The government has labeled Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan as as Fitna al Khwarij earlier this month.
The ISPR said 36-year-old Naik Inayat Khan, resident of Khyber district Khyber; 35-year-old Lance Naik Umer Hayat, resident of Mansehra district and 25-year-old Sepoy Waqar Khan, resident of Peshawar district fought “gallantly” during the exchange of fire and embraced martyrdom.
“Pakistan has consistently been asking Interim Afghan Government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border. Interim Afghan Government is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by khwarij for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan,” the ISPR said.
Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan of turning a blind eye to militants operating near the frontier, a charge Kabul denies.
The statement said the security forces remained committed to securing the borders, adding that the sacrifices of brave soldiers only “further strengthen our resolve”.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed regret over the incident and paid tribute to the martyrs.
“Martyrs of the nation are the pride of the nation, the whole nation will be grateful. The security forces bravely foiled the infiltration attempt of the terrorists, sent the terrorists to hell,” President Zardari said in a statement.
“The entire nation salutes the spirit of patriotism and selflessness of the Pakistan Army. The entire nation pays homage to its martyrs, will not forget the sacrifices.”
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in violence in recent years, mostly blamed on the outlawed Pakistani Taliban. The group is allied with the Afghan Taliban, who seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021.
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