Pakistan’s military said its security forces killed more than 200 Afghan Taliban fighters in overnight clashes along the Pak-Afghan border, confirming that 23 of its soldiers were martyred in the crossfire.
According to the statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the clash took place on the night of October 11-12 when Afghan Taliban forces, supported by Indian-sponsored army elements, Fitna Al Khawarijlaunched an unprovoked attack on Pakistani positions.
The attack, which included cross-border firing and limited physical raids, was reportedly aimed at destabilizing border areas to facilitate terrorism.
Read: Pakistani army responds strongly to unprovoked Afghan aggression along the border
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that Pakistani troops exercised their right of self-defense and repulsed the attack decisively, inflicting heavy losses on Taliban forces and their affiliates.
Precision strikes and physical raids were carried out against Taliban terrorist camps, posts and training facilities on 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 had been neutralized, while several training camps and support bases had been 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 had been taken to avoid collateral damage and protect civilian lives.
Learn more: Pakistani army responds after night of Afghan fire on several fronts
Although the people of Pakistan prefer constructive diplomacy and dialogue over violence and belligerence, we will not tolerate the perfidious use of Afghan soil for terrorist purposes against Pakistan. We noted with concern that this serious provocation occurred during the visit of the Taliban Foreign Minister to India, the largest sponsor of terrorism in the region, security sources said.
In the interest of regional peace and security, we call on the Taliban government to take immediate and verifiable measures to neutralize terrorist groups, including FAK, FAH and ISKP/Daesh, operating from their territory.
Otherwise, Pakistan will continue to exercise its right to defend its people by constantly neutralizing terrorist targets. The Taliban government should reject any misguided ideas and prioritize the well-being, peace, prosperity and development of the Afghan people over irresponsible speeches.
Also read: Pakistan closes border with Afghanistan after cross-border fire
Last night’s episode confirms Pakistan’s long-standing position that the Taliban government actively facilitates terrorists.
If the Taliban government continues to sponsor terrorist groups, alongside India, with the short-sighted aim of destabilizing the region, the people and state of Pakistan will not rest until the terrorist threat emanating from Afghanistan is eliminated.
