One soldier martyred, 12 terrorists killed in Kurram border clash

Security forces have killed 12 terrorists and Afghan Taliban personnel while foiling an infiltration attempt along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Kurram district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP). One Pakistan Army soldier was martyred during the exchange of fire, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

In a statement issued on Sunday, the military’s media wing said security forces detected a group attempting to cross into Pakistan from Afghanistan on October 10. The troops responded promptly and engaged the infiltrators, successfully preventing them from entering Pakistani territory.

The ISPR said Afghan Taliban posts also opened fire to support the infiltration attempt. However, security forces responded with precise fire, killing 12 militants and Afghan Taliban personnel involved in the incident.

During the intense exchange of fire, Naib Subedar Hidayat Aman, 40, a resident of Ghizer district, embraced martyrdom. The military paid tribute to his courage and sacrifice in defending the country’s borders.

The statement said the incident highlighted Pakistan’s concerns about cross-border terrorism and the use of Afghan territory by militant groups. It accused the Afghan Taliban regime of failing to meet its international counterterrorism obligations and alleged that its actions were facilitating attacks against Pakistan.

Security forces launched a sanitisation operation in the area to locate and eliminate any remaining militants. The military said operations would continue to ensure border security and prevent further infiltration attempts.

The ISPR added that the counterterrorism campaign under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam would continue at full pace. The initiative was approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan and aims to eliminate foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism through coordinated operations by security forces and law enforcement agencies.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the martyrdom of Naib Subedar Hidayat Aman and praised the security forces for foiling the infiltration attempt. He extended condolences to the soldier’s family and prayed for strength and patience for his loved ones.

The president also criticised the alleged support provided to militant groups by elements within the Afghan Taliban regime. He warned that Pakistan would continue to defend its borders and respond firmly to threats against its security.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to the martyred soldier and the security forces. He praised their professionalism and courage, saying the nation took pride in their efforts to protect the country.