Pakistan Army issues strong response to cross-border assault from Afghanistan
RAWALPINDI (Hayat News): The Pakistan Army has confirmed heavy clashes along the Pak-Afghan border, stating that 23 soldiers were martyred and 29 others injured in a large-scale attack launched by militants affiliated with the Afghan Taliban and India.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the coordinated assault—carried out between October 11 and 12—targeted multiple Pakistani border posts in what was described as an unprovoked and hostile act. The ISPR termed the attack an outcome of the Taliban’s growing alignment with India.
In its statement, the military said the banned outfit Fitna al-Khawarij, with support from Taliban elements, attempted infiltration and launched indiscriminate fire along a broad section of the frontier to destabilize the region.
Invoking its right to self-defence, the Pakistan Army launched a decisive counter-operation, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers. “More than 200 terrorists, including members of the Taliban and affiliated groups, were eliminated in the retaliatory action,” the ISPR spokesperson said.
The military confirmed that air and ground operations targeted Taliban posts, training facilities, and logistics networks inside Afghan territory. “Precision strikes destroyed several camps associated with Fitna al-Khawarij, Fitna al-Hindustan, and ISIS-linked elements,” the statement read, adding that 21 enemy positions were temporarily occupied during the engagement.
All measures were taken to avoid civilian harm, with the ISPR emphasizing that Pakistan’s response focused solely on militant hideouts and command centres.
The spokesperson paid tribute to the 23 martyrs who laid down their lives defending the nation, reaffirming that the armed forces remain fully prepared to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and protect its citizens from any external or internal threats.
“The Pakistan Army stands resolute in its mission to defend the country’s borders, neutralize terrorism, and ensure peace and stability in the region,” the ISPR declared.
