Eight militants killed in North Waziristan border clash

RAWALPINDI: Security forces killed eight militants during an operation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in North Waziristan, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the clash occurred a day earlier after troops detected the movement of a group described as “khwarij” near the border.

The military said its forces carried out a “precise and skilful engagement,” resulting in the killing of eight militants allegedly linked to what it termed “Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij.” Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the slain individuals.

The term “Fitna al Khwarij” is used by the state for militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The ISPR added that sanitisation operations were underway in the area to eliminate any remaining militants, reiterating concerns over cross-border threats. It accused the Afghan Taliban government of failing to ensure effective border management and called on it to prevent the use of its territory for attacks inside Pakistan.

“Afghan authorities must fulfil their obligations and deny the use of their soil by terrorists,” the statement said.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the country’s borders, stating that counter-terrorism operations under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” campaign would continue at full pace to eliminate foreign-backed militancy.

President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for their “timely and effective” action, calling their role in defending the country a source of national pride. He also urged the Afghan interim government to take concrete steps to curb cross-border terrorism.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended the troops for foiling what he described as an infiltration attempt by militants from across the Afghan border, lauding their professionalism and resolve.

The latest operation comes amid ongoing security concerns and a broader counter-terrorism drive targeting militant groups operating along Pakistan’s western frontier.