PESHAWAR: Three terrorists were killed in an intense exchange of fire with security forces in Dir district on Monday, after troops detected and surrounded them while attempting to infiltrate the Pak-Afghan border, the military’s media wing said.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the infiltrators were effectively engaged and killed during the exchange of fire.

“Pakistan has consistently been asking the interim Afghan government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border. The interim Afghan government is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan,” the statement said.

The ISPR said security forces are determined and committed to securing the borders and eliminating the menace of terrorism from the country.

Last week, ISPR had blamed the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group “operating from Afghanistan” for the attack on Bannu Cantonment in which eight soldiers were martyred.

The Foreign Office had also urged the interim Afghan government to fully investigate and take immediate, robust and effective action against the perpetrators of the attack.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2024