Security forces successfully thwarted an attempt to infiltrate the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and killed at least 54 terrorists in the Hassan Khel area of North Waziristan district, the military’s media wing reported on Sunday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces detected the movement of a group of militants attempting to infiltrate through the Pak-Afghanistan border in the general area of Hassan Khel, North Waziristan district, during the night between April 25, 26, and 27.
“Own troops effectively engaged and thwarted their attempt to infiltrate. As a result of precise and skillful engagement, all 54 khawarij have been sent to hell,” the ISPR stated.
“Fitna Al Khawarij” is a term used by the state to refer to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The security forces also recovered a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives from the neutralized terrorists.
“Intelligence reports indicate that this group of khawarij was specifically infiltrating on behest of their ‘foreign masters’ to undertake high-profile terrorist activities inside Pakistan,” the ISPR revealed.
It further stated that such actions by terrorists, at a time when India is leveling baseless accusations against Pakistan, clearly indicate at whose instigation they are operating. “Such actions amount to treason and betrayal against the state and its citizens.”
Referring to the meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, the ISPR emphasized that distracting Pakistan’s security forces from their focus on the war against terror appears to be India’s strategic intent to provide a respite to terrorists “who are reeling from the onslaught of our armed forces’ resolute offensive against them.”
“The security forces demonstrated exceptional professionalism, vigilance, and preparedness and prevented a potential catastrophe,” the statement added.
It noted that this was the highest number of terrorists neutralized by the security forces in a single engagement throughout the entire counter-terrorism campaign.
“Security forces remain resolute and unwavering in their commitment to defend the nation’s frontiers and to eradicate the menace of terrorism,” the ISPR affirmed, adding that such bold and decisive actions further strengthen collective resolve and underscore that Pakistan is winning the war against terrorism.
The two nations share a porous border spanning approximately 2,500 kilometers with several crossing points that are significant for regional trade and the relationships between people on both sides.
However, the issue of terrorism remains a key concern for Pakistan, which has urged Afghanistan to prevent its soil from being used by groups like the TTP to conduct attacks within Pakistani territory.
Islamabad’s concerns have been corroborated by a report submitted to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, which revealed a connection between Kabul and the TTP, with the former providing logistical, operational, and financial support to the latter.
Earlier this month, at least eight terrorists were neutralized when security forces successfully thwarted their attempt to infiltrate through the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in North Waziristan district.
The country experienced a sharp 42% increase in terror attacks in January 2025 compared to the previous month, according to data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), a think tank.
The data indicated that at least 74 militant attacks occurred nationwide, resulting in 91 deaths, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Additionally, 117 individuals were injured, including 53 security forces personnel, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.
