Pakistan’s security forces face an escalating threat as terrorists infiltrating from Afghanistan deploy advanced foreign weapons. These weapons, originally provided by the United States to Afghan forces, are now used by Fitnah-ul-Khawarij and other groups to target both Pakistani security personnel and civilians, destabilizing the region.
Key Operations Against Cross-Border Terrorists
- Bajaur District (October 23/24, 2024)
Pakistani forces neutralized nine Khawarij militants, including ringleader Syed Muhammad Qureshi. The arms recovered included M4 rifles and AK-47s, underscoring the foreign influence on insurgent resources. - North and South Waziristan (September 19/20, 2024)
Intense engagements led to the elimination of twelve extremists, with foreign arms like SKS rifles and RPD light machine guns discovered, suggesting a well-armed insurgent presence. - Mustang District, Balochistan (August 18/19, 2024)
Security operations took out three BLA terrorists tied to local attacks, recovering RPG launchers and assault rifles. - Zhob District, Ongoing Since April 21, 2024
Anti-terror efforts along the Pak-Afghan border have dismantled multiple militant cells, yielding foreign arms, including RPG rockets and M-16 rifles. - Khyber District Raid (April 29, 2024)
In a raid targeting leaders Qari Wajid and Raziq, Pakistani forces seized advanced weaponry, disrupting planned attacks and destroying terrorist bases.
International Concerns Over Afghan-Based Arms
With reports indicating that around 427,300 U.S.-supplied combat weapons remained in Afghanistan after the U.S. withdrawal, accountability is at the forefront. Afghan-based groups like Fitnah-ul-Khawarij leverage these resources in cross-border terrorism, undermining Afghan assurances of neutrality. Since the withdrawal, $18.6 billion in U.S.-provided equipment has posed a significant security risk to Pakistan, with incidents of cross-border violence rising sharply.
Resolute Security Efforts Continue
Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s security forces remain resolute. Through continuous intelligence-based operations, they aim to neutralize insurgents, control the flow of advanced arms, and ensure stability in the region.
