Security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan on February 6, resulting in the death of an Afghan national allegedly involved in terrorist activities, according to the military’s media wing, ISPR.
The deceased was identified as Luqman Khan, also known as Nusrat, a resident of the Spira district in Afghanistan’s Khost province. Since he was an Afghan national, Pakistani authorities have reached out to the interim Afghan government for the repatriation of his body.
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ISPR emphasized that such incidents serve as undeniable proof of Afghan nationals’ involvement in terrorism within Pakistan. The statement urged the interim Afghan government to take responsibility and prevent the use of Afghan soil for hostile activities against Pakistan.
Ongoing Cross-Border Concerns
The operation comes amid rising concerns over militant groups allegedly using Afghan territory to launch attacks against Pakistan.
During the 267th Corps Commanders’ Conference in Rawalpindi last week, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir and senior military officials expressed serious concerns over continuous attacks originating from Afghanistan. The forum called on the interim Afghan government to take concrete action against terrorist groups rather than dismissing allegations.
In a separate incident, security forces conducted an operation in the Madi area of Kalachi tehsil, Dera Ismail Khan, on the night of January 30-31, eliminating four suspected militants linked to the banned outfit Fitna Al-Khawarij. Among those killed was Badruddin alias Yousuf, son of Maulvi Ghulam Mohammad Ahmadi, the deputy governor of Afghanistan’s Badghis province.
Security personnel recovered American-made night vision devices, M16A4 rifles, and M24 sniper rifles from the slain terrorists. However, Afghan authorities have reportedly refused to accept Badruddin’s body despite multiple requests from Pakistan.
Previous Incidents
Similar operations have taken place in recent months. On January 11, security forces eliminated an Afghan terrorist, Muhammad Khan Ahmedkhel, in the Sambaza area of Zhob district, Balochistan.
Ahmedkhel, a resident of Bilorai village in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, was later handed over to Afghan officials on January 20 following legal procedures.
