Pakistan Army neutralises 13 militants along Afghan Border: ISPR

Pakistan’s military media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, said on Thursday that security forces killed 13 militants during two separate attempts to cross the Pakistan–Afghanistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the statement, the incidents took place on April 28–29, when militants identified as belonging to “Fitna-al-Khwarij” — a term used by authorities for certain militant groups — attempted to infiltrate Pakistani territory.

In the Mohmand District, security forces detected and engaged a group attempting to cross the border. Following what ISPR described as a precise and effective operation, eight militants were killed.

In a separate incident in North Waziristan District, troops intercepted another group trying to infiltrate. After an exchange of fire, five militants were killed, the statement added.

The military said the incidents highlight what it described as shortcomings in border management on the Afghan side, urging the Afghan Taliban to take effective measures to prevent the use of its territory for cross-border attacks.

Reaffirming its stance, the statement said Pakistan’s security forces remain committed to safeguarding the country’s borders. It added that clearance operations are ongoing in the area to eliminate any remaining militants.

The military also said that counterterrorism efforts under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” strategy will continue in coordination with law enforcement agencies to address what it termed foreign-backed militancy.