Pakistan Armed Forces Successfully Repel Cross-Border Attack
On the night of October 11 to 12, Pakistan’s Armed Forces successfully repelled a cross-border attack by the Afghan Taliban and Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khwarij groups along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. According to an official statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), over 200 Taliban and affiliated terrorists were neutralized during the operation. Additionally, 21 hostile positions on the Afghan side of the border were captured by Pakistani forces.
During the overnight skirmishes, 23 brave soldiers lost their lives while defending the territorial integrity of Pakistan, and 29 others sustained injuries. The attack, which included gunfire and physical raids, was described as an unprovoked act aimed at destabilizing border areas to facilitate terrorism and further the nefarious goals of the Fitna al-Khwarij group.
The statement highlighted that the Pakistan Armed Forces exercised their right to self-defense, decisively repelling the assault along the entire border. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the Taliban forces and affiliated Khwarjis. Precision strikes, fire, and physical raids were directed against Taliban camps, posts, terrorist training facilities, and support networks operating from Afghan territory. These targets included elements linked to Fitna al Khawarij (FAK), Fitna al Hindustan (FAH), and ISKP/ Daesh.
Several terrorist training camps, which were being used to plan attacks against Pakistan, were rendered inoperative. The damage to Taliban posts, camps, headquarters, and support networks is extensive, spanning from tactical to operational depth.
The Armed Forces of Pakistan remain committed to protecting the territorial integrity, life, and property of the people of Pakistan. The resolve to defend the country’s security and defeat those who threaten it is unwavering.
The statement also expressed concern that this provocation occurred during the visit of the Taliban Foreign Minister to India, which is considered the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the region. It called upon the Taliban Government to take immediate and verifiable actions to neutralize terrorist groups such as FAK, FAH, and ISKP/ Daesh operating from their territory. If not, Pakistan will continue to exercise its right to defend its people by persistently neutralizing terror targets.
The statement emphasized that the Taliban Government should prioritize the well-being, peace, prosperity, and development of the Afghan people rather than engaging in irresponsible sabre-rattling.
It further reiterated that last night’s episode confirms Pakistan’s long-standing position that the Taliban Government is actively facilitating terrorists. If the Taliban continues to sponsor terrorist outfits in coordination with India for short-sighted objectives of destabilizing the region, the people and state of Pakistan will not rest until the menace of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan is completely eliminated.
In response to the border fighting, an Afghan government spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, urged Pakistan to “desist from using force,” warning that such actions would have negative consequences. He added that the Afghanistan Islamic Emirate had made “efforts to resolve issues with Pakistan” and possesses weapons to respond if necessary.