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At least five Frontier Corps (FC) personnel deployed at the Pak-Afghan border were reported martyred while 12 others were injured in an attack from across the border that started a day earlier, DawnNewsTV reported on Monday.
The attack, which was carried out from the Khost province of Afghanistan, targeted a border post in Laka Tika area of Lower Kurram Agency, officials of the political administration in Kurram Agency said.
According to MNA Sajid Toori, the skirmishes, which spanned more than 24 hours, also left at least 10 assailants dead and several injured. The bodies of the slain FC troops were recovered after officials from both sides held dialogues, of which MNA Toori and several others were a part of.
The political administration, however, has not yet confirmed the recovery of bodies.
According to government officials, scores of armed tribesmen from the Bangash and other tribes, at the request of tribal elders, had rushed to the border to support under-fire Pakistani security personnel.
Following extensive retaliatory firing, the security personnel and tribesmen had managed to repel the attackers.
On Sunday, Inter-Services Public Relations, the Army's media wing, said FC troops were fired upon from Afghanistan while they were busy in "routine surveillance along the Pak-Afghan border for plugging of gaps and making necessary preparations for starting fencing in that area."
"Pakistani troops are exercising maximum restraint so as to avoid any Afghan civilian casualties," the statement had said, adding: "military engagement is underway to defuse [the] situation."
An investigation into the firing incident has been initiated.
Kurram is one of the most sensitive tribal areas as it borders three Afghan provinces and at one point was one of the key routes for militant movement across the border.
Pakistan began fencing the Pak-Afghan border last year to prevent terrorists from crossing into the country from Afghanistan — an initiative strongly opposed by the government in Kabul.
The two countries accuse each other of harbouring their militant enemies — a charge both deny.
Comments (18) Closed
RIP the brave souls who sacrificed their present for our future. This fencing of border is KEY just plug all the gaps and then let the enemy suffocate on their own lands. It is not easy but it is the only solution. Complete secured and regulated border with Afghanistan
Very sad. RIP brave soldiers. We are proud of you.
What a great and grave tragedy?
It is a shame that we are busy in petty politics while the enemy has opened another front against Pakistan.
RIP
Why are we showing restraint when we are fired upon from accross the border. Who ever is firing we must defend our mother land and build that fence at all cost, because that is not being appreciated! It must be absolutely clear that if any tribe is devided it has to be a Pakistani or Afghan - Period Continuously coming and going is the root cause of all these ills. The so called FATA people are all Pakistanis and they must be taken care of for their wellbeing on a top priority Since we have failed them, they must be brought at par with the rest of the country. And same goes for Baluchistan.
When the government knows it can be attacked from across the borders, why does it not equip the Border Security Forces with necessary logistics and more fire power? its useless to cry after the attack has occurred.
Traitors of so called PTM will never mention this. Love you Pak Army. We are not disgraceful to forget your sacrifice. From a proud Pukhtoon.
Where is the MI-35 helicopter that Pakistan recently purchased from Russia, use it and kill these terrorist, very sad for the lives of brave soldier!
Where is Manzoor Pashteen ?
FC was under attack for 24 hours and not even a single attack helicopter came to their support. Is that a breakdown in Army communication or lack of resources.
Give them full response with bonus bombing so that they don't even think of coming close to border.
The valley of death has been taking the human loss for now more tan two centuries. Reconciliation and not the fence will provide safey in the tribal border region with Afghanistan.
Rex Minor
We should send our drones and kill them all.
Salute to Turi Bangash tribes of Para Chinar who are loyal to Pakistan, unlike those external elements like Mangal tribe.
Rip
These are the people of FATA for you, The number 1 brave breed of Pakistan.
All our borders are now on fire. Be it with India, Afghanistan or Iran. We are loosing good relationship with all our neighbours. Peace is the only way going fowrard.