Pakistan’s military said its security forces killed more than 200 Afghan Taliban fighters in overnight clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, confirming that 23 of its soldiers were martyred during the crossfire.
According to the statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the clash took place on the night of October 11 and 12 when Afghan Taliban forces, supported by Indian-sponsored elements Fitna al Khawarijlaunched an unprovoked attack on Pakistani positions.
The attack, which included cross-border shooting and limited physical raids, was allegedly aimed at destabilizing border areas to facilitate terrorism.
Read: Pakistan Army Offers Strong Response to Unprovoked Afghan Aggression Along Border
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Pakistani troops exercised the right of self-defence and repelled the attack decisively, causing heavy casualties to Taliban forces and their affiliates.
Precision strikes and physical raids were carried out against Taliban camps, posts and terrorist training facilities inside Afghan territory, including networks linked to Fitna al Khawarij (FAK), Fitna al Hindustan (FAH) and ISKP/Daesh.
Military officials said more than 200 Taliban and affiliated terrorists were neutralized, while multiple training camps and support bases were destroyed. 21 hostile positions on the Afghan side of the border were briefly captured before Pakistani troops withdrew.
During the night operations, 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred and 29 others were injured. Pakistan said all measures were taken to prevent collateral damage and protect civilian lives.
Read more: Pakistan army strikes back after night of Afghan fire on multiple fronts
While the people of Pakistan prefer constructive diplomacy and dialogue over violence and belligerence, we will not tolerate the treacherous use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan. We have noted with concern that this serious provocation has occurred during the visit of the Taliban Foreign Minister to India, the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the region, security sources said.
In the interests of regional peace and security, we urge the Taliban Government to take immediate and verifiable measures to neutralize terrorist groups, including FAK, FAH and ISKP/Daesh operating from its territory.
Otherwise, Pakistan will continue to exercise its right to defend its people by persistently neutralizing terrorist targets. The Taliban government should avoid any misbegotten ideas and prioritize the well-being, peace, prosperity and development of the Afghan people over irresponsible saber-rattling.
Also read: Pakistan seals border with Afghanistan after cross-border fire
Last night’s episode vindicates Pakistan’s long-held position that the Taliban government is actively facilitating terrorists.
If the Taliban government continues to sponsor terrorist groups, along with India, with the short-sighted aim of destabilizing the region, the people and state of Pakistan will not rest until the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan is eliminated.
