Senior TTP commander among 4 terrorists killed in Bajaur during infiltration bid

Pakistan’s security forces successfully killed four terrorists, including a senior commander of the banned TTP group, during a late-night operation near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Bajaur district. The operation was conducted on the night between October 29 and 30 after troops detected a group of militants attempting to infiltrate from Afghan territory.

According to ISPR, the militants were trying to enter Pakistan when troops acted swiftly and blocked their movement. In a precise engagement, four terrorists were killed, including a high-value Indian-backed militant, Amjad alias Mazahim. He was a top leader of Fitna al-Khawarij and the second-in-command to Noor Wali Mehsud. The government had placed a Rs 5 million reward on his head for his involvement in deadly attacks carried out while hiding in Afghanistan.

ISPR stated that the operation is part of Pakistan’s ongoing Azm-e-Istehkam counter-terrorism drive. A search and clearance operation is still underway in the area to trace any remaining terrorist elements.

The military once again urged the Afghan interim government to stop its soil from being used by terrorists against Pakistan. ISPR stressed that leadership of banned outfits is still operating from inside Afghanistan, planning attacks to boost the morale of their remaining fighters in Bajaur and Mohmand.

Pakistan has repeatedly demanded strict action from Kabul, but terrorists continue to find shelter across the border. “Pakistan’s security forces remain fully committed to protecting the country’s borders at all costs,” the ISPR added.

This Bajaur action came hours after a major security success in Balochistan. Earlier, eighteen Indian-sponsored terrorists linked to Fitna al-Hindustan were eliminated in two intelligence-based operations in Quetta’s Chiltan Mountains and Kech’s Buleda area. Troops recovered weapons and explosives from the hideouts.

Pakistan has witnessed a rise in cross-border terrorism since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in 2021. Despite repeated requests, the Afghan authorities have failed to stop such groups. Recently, border tensions also escalated, leading to fierce clashes and air strikes against militant hideouts inside Afghanistan.

Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghan officials were held in Doha and later in Istanbul, but the latest round ended without progress due to what Pakistani officials called “unrealistic and illogical” demands by the Afghan side.

Pakistan has made it clear that terrorism and infiltration attempts will be dealt with firmly, and operations will continue until peace is restored.