Security forces successfully eliminated eight militants sponsored by India during an encounter along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in North Waziristan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Thursday. The military’s media wing identified the group as India-backed militants, also referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij, whose movement was detected on April 1.
Following a precise and skillful engagement, the security forces managed to neutralize all eight terrorists and recovered weapons and ammunition from the site. This operation highlights the persistent challenge posed by militants exploiting the border region.
In a significant development, the military criticized the Afghan Taliban regime for failing to effectively manage its side of the border. The statement emphasized that the Taliban must fulfill its responsibilities by preventing the use of Afghan territory by militants and stopping its citizens from participating in terrorism within Pakistan.
The military reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s frontiers. Ongoing sanitization operations aim to eliminate any remaining Indian-sponsored militants in the area. The counterterrorism campaign, under the vision “Azm-e-Istehkam,” continues at full speed to eradicate foreign-supported terrorism from Pakistan.
Since the Afghan Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has experienced a marked increase in cross-border militant activity, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. In response, Pakistan launched “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq,” resulting in the deaths of approximately 684 Afghan Taliban fighters and allied militants. Additionally, over 900 operatives were wounded, and 252 militant checkposts were destroyed, as confirmed by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Thursday.
Notably, in October 2025, border clashes erupted after unprovoked attacks by Afghan Taliban fighters and allied militants on Pakistani border positions. The conflict led to the deaths of more than 200 Taliban and affiliated militants, while 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred. Despite multiple negotiation attempts, no resolution was reached, largely due to the Afghan Taliban authorities’ reluctance to take action against militant groups.
