Quote from Alex bobby on July 5, 2025, 7:11 AM

Pakistani Troops Kill 30 Militants Crossing from Afghanistan as Violence Surges

In a significant escalation along the volatile Afghan-Pakistani border, Pakistani security forces killed 30 militants attempting to infiltrate from Afghanistan, the military announced on Friday. The group, identified as members of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — commonly known as the Pakistani Taliban — was intercepted in the North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, an area that has long served as a hotspot for insurgent activity.

The operation, which took place overnight, was part of intensified counterterrorism efforts by Pakistan’s military as militant violence continues to rise across the country. Security personnel reportedly seized a cache of weapons, explosives, and ammunition from the militants during the encounter.

A Resurgent Threat

The TTP, an umbrella organisation of several jihadist factions operating in Pakistan, has intensified its attacks over the past year. While the group is distinct from the Afghan Taliban, it maintains close ideological and operational ties, and many of its fighters are believed to have found refuge across the border in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.

Since then, the Pakistani Taliban has stepped up its campaign of violence, targeting security forces, civilians, and infrastructure. The attack thwarted on Thursday night follows a similar operation in April, where 54 insurgents were killed in the same region.

Security analysts note that North Waziristan has become an active corridor for militants exploiting the porous border and political uncertainty in neighbouring Afghanistan to regroup and launch attacks inside Pakistan.

Pakistan Accuses India of Backing Militants

In a bold statement accompanying news of the latest operation, the Pakistani military accused the TTP of being backed by Indian intelligence agencies, a claim that was not immediately addressed by New Delhi.

“We urge the Afghan authorities to ensure that Afghan soil is not used by foreign proxies, particularly those backed by India, to destabilise Pakistan,” said the military’s statement.

Pakistan has long accused India of supporting banned militant groups, including the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the TTP, both of which have carried out deadly attacks on Pakistani soil. These accusations have gained renewed urgency following a shooting in Indian-controlled Kashmir in April, which further inflamed tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals.

While India has consistently denied any involvement in cross-border terrorism, regional hostilities remain high, and the security situation continues to deteriorate in several border areas.

National Leadership Praises Security Forces

Following the successful operation, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued separate statements commending the armed forces for their vigilance and sacrifice.

“This operation is a testament to the bravery and commitment of our troops to safeguard our nation from internal and external threats,” said Prime Minister Sharif.

“The elimination of these terrorists sends a clear message that we will not tolerate any infiltration or violence within our borders,” added President Zardari.

The latest operation is seen as a morale booster for Pakistani forces, who have been under immense pressure amid a sharp uptick in insurgent attacks, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

A Fragile Border, A Complicated Neighbour

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have become increasingly strained in recent years. While the Afghan Taliban initially pledged that their territory would not be used to launch attacks against other countries, Pakistan says the opposite has happened — that Afghan territory has effectively become a safe haven for the TTP.

Earlier this year, Pakistan even launched cross-border airstrikes targeting TTP hideouts inside Afghanistan, prompting sharp condemnation from the Taliban government in Kabul.

Despite diplomatic efforts, mutual distrust continues to undermine bilateral security cooperation. Experts warn that unless both sides cooperate on intelligence and border control, the cycle of violence is likely to continue.

The Bigger Picture: Surging Militant Activity

According to recent security reports, Pakistan has witnessed a significant surge in militant attacks since the beginning of 2024. The TTP, along with separatist groups and Islamic State affiliates, have claimed responsibility for a growing number of bombings, ambushes, and assassinations.

The return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan in 2021 has emboldened extremist groups throughout the region. Pakistan, which initially welcomed the Taliban’s resurgence, now finds itself dealing with the unintended consequences of a more unstable and unpredictable western frontier.

Conclusion

The killing of 30 militants attempting to cross from Afghanistan marks another milestone in Pakistan’s ongoing battle against insurgency. While the successful operation is a short-term victory for Pakistani forces, it also underscores the deepening security crisis fuelled by cross-border terrorism, strained regional ties, and geopolitical rivalries.

As Pakistan confronts the twin challenges of external infiltration and internal radicalisation, the path to long-term peace will depend not only on military strength but also on regional diplomacy, border cooperation, and a comprehensive counter-extremism strategy.

Meta Description:
Pakistan’s military says 30 Pakistani Taliban fighters were killed in North Waziristan while crossing from Afghanistan. Violence surges as officials accuse India of backing militants and urge Afghanistan to halt cross-border attacks.