Pakistan Says 12 Militants, Afghan Taliban Fighters Killed in Foiled Border Infiltration Attempt in Kurram

Islamabad (Terror Monitor) — Pakistani security forces have killed 12 militants and Afghan Taliban fighters while foiling an attempted infiltration across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military's media wing said.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces detected the movement of an armed group attempting to enter Pakistan through the border in Kurram.

The military said Afghan Taliban positions also opened fire to support the infiltrating militants, triggering an exchange of fire between the attackers and Pakistani security forces.

The confrontation resulted in the death of Naib Subedar Hidayat Aman, a 40-year-old Pakistani soldier from Ghizer district in Gilgit-Baltistan, the ISPR said.

The military did not provide a detailed breakdown of the 12 people killed or specify how many were members of militant organizations and how many were Afghan Taliban fighters.

Pakistan Accuses Afghan Taliban of Facilitating Cross-Border Militancy

The ISPR said the incident reinforced Pakistan's position that Afghan territory was being used by militant organizations to launch attacks against Pakistan.

According to the military, the Afghan Taliban authorities have failed to prevent armed groups from using Afghan soil for cross-border infiltration and have instead facilitated and supported their activities.

The statement accused the Afghan Taliban administration of failing to fulfil its international counterterrorism obligations and called attention to what Pakistan describes as continued support for militant groups operating along the border.

Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban authorities to prevent Pakistani militant organizations, particularly the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), from operating from Afghan territory.

The Afghan Taliban have faced longstanding accusations from Pakistan regarding the presence of TTP militants in Afghanistan. The issue remains a major source of tension between the two neighbouring countries.

The latest reported confrontation underscores the continuing security challenges along the mountainous border, where armed groups have attempted to exploit difficult terrain and gaps in border security.

Clearance Operation Launched Against Other Militants

Following the clash, Pakistani security forces conducted a clearance operation in the surrounding area to locate and eliminate other suspected militants, the ISPR said.

The military described the remaining targets as Indian-sponsored Khawarij, a term used by Pakistani authorities for members of the banned TTP and associated militant groups.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused India of supporting militant activity against the country. Such allegations are part of Islamabad's broader security narrative, and the military statement did not provide additional evidence detailing the alleged Indian involvement in this particular incident.

The ISPR said counterterrorism operations would continue until the remaining militants in the area were eliminated.

It added that security forces and law enforcement agencies would sustain operations against terrorism allegedly carried out with external support and assistance.

The military emphasized that the sacrifices of Pakistani soldiers strengthened the country's resolve to defend its borders and protect national security.

Pakistani Soldier Killed in Border Clash

Naib Subedar Hidayat Aman was killed during the exchange of fire after Afghan Taliban positions reportedly supported the infiltrating group.

The 40-year-old soldier belonged to Ghizer district in Gilgit-Baltistan, according to the ISPR.

His death highlights the continuing risks faced by Pakistani security personnel deployed along the border with Afghanistan, where clashes and attempted infiltrations have contributed to deteriorating relations between Islamabad and Kabul.

The military did not provide further details about the timing of the soldier's funeral or the identities of the other individuals killed during the operation.

Background: Pakistan's Security Concerns Along the Afghan Border

Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concern over the activities of the banned TTP and other armed groups operating near the Afghan border.

The TTP has carried out numerous attacks against Pakistani security forces and civilians over the years, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the former tribal districts.

Islamabad maintains that preventing these groups from using Afghan territory is essential to reducing violence inside Pakistan.

The Afghan Taliban authorities have faced repeated demands from Pakistan to take action against militants accused of planning and launching cross-border attacks. Disagreements over these allegations have strained bilateral relations and complicated security cooperation.

The Kurram district, which borders Afghanistan and forms part of a strategically sensitive section of Pakistan's northwestern frontier, has experienced recurring security incidents involving armed groups and Pakistani security forces.

The latest operation comes amid continued Pakistani efforts to strengthen border security and prevent militant infiltration.

The ISPR said counterterrorism operations would continue, stressing that Pakistan remained determined to eliminate externally supported militancy and defend its territorial integrity.