ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army has said 29 terrorists have been killed in a series of operations along the Pak-Afghan border over the past month, amid a surge in terrorism originating from Afghan soil.

“In addition to other areas along Pakistan-Afghanistan border, security forces are conducting operations in general area Sambaza in Zhob district of Balochistan, since April 21, 2024. As a result of effective engagements, 29 terrorists have been successfully neutralised by the security forces in past one month,” said the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, in a statement issued here on Wednesday.

These actions were part of a broader effort to curb the infiltration of terrorists targeting both security forces and civilians.

The ISPR noted a surge in attempts by Afghanistan based terrorists to infiltrate the border and carry out attacks on the Pakistani side.

Zhob operation under way for past one month, military says

It also noted the martyrdom of Maj Babar Khan in an intelligence-based operation on May 14. “Pakistan’s security forces are determined and remain committed to secure the borders and ensure safety of its citizens against the scourge of terrorism,” it added.

The military’s media wing recalled Pakistan had on multiple occasions in the past had asked Taliban administration to ensure effective border management on their side of border.

“Interim Afghan government is expected to fulfill its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan,” the ISPR maintained.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2024