ISLAMABAD: Pakistani forces repelled an “unprovoked” cross‑border assault overnight and inflicted heavy losses on Afghan Taliban fighters and affiliated militants, the military’s media wing said, estimating more than 200 enemy fighters neutralized while 23 Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Afghan Taliban and Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij launched coordinated attacks along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border late on Oct. 11. The assaults, which included gunfire and limited physical raids, were described by the military as attempts to destabilize border regions and facilitate terrorism.
“Exercising the right of self-defense, the alert Armed Forces of Pakistan repelled the assault decisively all along the border and inflicted heavy casualties on Taliban forces and affiliated Khwarjis,” the ISPR said.
The military said Pakistani forces targeted Taliban camps, posts, training facilities, and support networks operating from Afghan territory, including elements linked to Fitna al-Khawarij, Fitna al-Hindustan, and ISKP/Daesh. Precision strikes and physical raids were carried out while “all possible measures were taken to avoid collateral damage and protect civilian lives.”
Multiple Taliban locations were reportedly destroyed, and 21 hostile positions on the Afghan side were briefly captured. Infrastructure at Taliban posts, camps, and headquarters suffered extensive tactical and operational damage.
“The Armed Forces of Pakistan remain ever ready to protect the territorial integrity, life, and property of the people of Pakistan,” the ISPR added. “Our resolve to defend Pakistan’s territorial integrity and to defeat those who threaten our security is unwavering.”
The ISPR linked the attack to recent developments, noting the Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister’s visit to India, calling it “the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the region.” The statement urged the Taliban government to take “immediate and verifiable actions” against terrorist groups or face continued Pakistani operations.
The overnight clashes follow the deadly assault on the Police Training School in Dera Ismail Khan earlier this week, in which five militants were killed and six policemen martyred, ISPR said.
Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Qatar have called for restraint and dialogue to ease tensions, while key border crossings, including Torkham and Chaman, remain closed due to the ongoing security situation.
This is a developing story....
