Pakistan Says 29 Militants Killed in Operation Along Afghan Border

Pakistan's military announced on Wednesday that its security forces conducted an intelligence-based ground operation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, followed by 'calibrated strikes' against militant hideouts in the border region, resulting in the deaths of 29 militants.

The operation took place in the Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan's Kunar and Nuristan provinces. According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military's media wing, the operation targeted 'terrorist hideouts and safe havens.' The statement did not specify which militant groups were targeted, but the region is known to be a stronghold for various armed groups, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other factions.

Pakistan has long accused the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan of failing to prevent militants from using Afghan soil to launch attacks against Pakistan. The TTP, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, has intensified attacks on Pakistani security forces in recent months, and Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to take action against the group. The Afghan government, however, has denied harbouring militants and has called for dialogue to resolve cross-border tensions.

There was no immediate comment from the Afghan government on the latest operation. The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been a source of friction for decades, with both sides accusing each other of not doing enough to control militant activity. The porous border, known as the Durand Line, is not officially recognised by Afghanistan, which has led to frequent cross-border skirmishes and allegations of violation of sovereignty.

Pakistani authorities have stepped up operations along the border since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in August 2021. They claim that the security situation on the Pakistani side has improved, but that militants continue to cross the border to carry out attacks. The ISPR statement said that the operation was carried out with 'utmost professionalism' and that civilian casualties were avoided.

The exact number of militants killed could not be independently verified due to the remote nature of the area and restricted access for journalists. However, similar operations in the past have been followed by claims of success from the military. The TTP and other groups have not commented on the reported casualties.

Analysts say that the relationship between Pakistan and the Taliban-led Afghanistan remains fraught with mistrust. While the Taliban have publicly promised not to allow Afghan soil to be used against any country, including Pakistan, cross-border attacks have continued. The Pakistan military's latest operation underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region.