Pakistan has successfully repelled a cross-border terrorist raid from Afghanistan in the Kalash area of Chitral district. The attackers, equipped with the latest weapons, targeted two military posts, resulting in a fierce exchange of fire.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), at least 12 terrorists were killed during the operation, but tragically, four Pakistani soldiers lost their lives as they bravely defended their posts. The ISPR emphasized that heightened security alerts were already in place due to an increased threat environment.
“The valiant soldiers fought bravely and repulsed the attacks, inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists. Twelve terrorists were eliminated, and a large number were critically injured,” the ISPR stated in a press release.
The statement also mentioned that Pakistani security forces are currently conducting a sanitization operation to eliminate any remaining terrorists in the area. The incident has once again highlighted Pakistan’s determination to combat terrorism, with the local population of Chitral standing firmly behind the security forces.
Furthermore, Pakistan called upon the interim Afghan government to fulfill its obligations and prevent the use of Afghan soil by terrorists to launch attacks against Pakistan.
This incident comes shortly after the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for a “grand operation” in Chitral district. The TTP spokesperson alleged that the group had captured several villages in Chitral, which shares a border with Afghanistan’s Kunar, Nuristan, and Badakhshan provinces.
In addition to the cross-border raid, tensions escalated at the Torkham border crossing, a vital trade and transit route between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistani and Afghan forces exchanged fire, leading to the closure of the border. The clash reportedly erupted when Afghan authorities attempted to construct a border post without consulting Pakistan, violating established protocols.
Hundreds of trucks laden with goods were stranded on both sides of the border as the situation unfolded. While there were no immediate reports of casualties, gunfire could be heard in the area, causing panic among residents and travelers.
Both sides have activated a bilateral mechanism to defuse tensions, and the silence from authorities on either side suggests an attempt to downplay the incident.
Disputes over the 2,600 km (1,615 miles) border between Pakistan and Afghanistan have long been a source of contention, leading to sporadic closures of the Torkham border crossing in recent years. This incident underscores the delicate nature of their relationship and the challenges they face in maintaining border stability.
