For over 20 years, Pakistan’s military has fought terrorism, yet cross-border terrorism incidents have risen recently. Many of these attacks originate from Afghan soil. Armed terrorists cross the border into Pakistan, attacking both security forces and civilians.
Experts believe the collapse of Afghanistan’s Western-supported government during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal has fueled this surge. After the withdrawal, terrorists in Afghanistan gained access to U.S.-made weapons. These advanced weapons have strengthened militant groups, posing a serious threat to Pakistan’s security.
Some of these American arms have surfaced in Pakistan. Armed groups, including the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also called Fitna al-Khawarij, have used these weapons in attacks. Analysts say the influx of these arms has increased the power of militants, contributing to higher violence over the last two years.
This year, Pakistan’s military has launched several counter-terrorism operations:
- October 23-24: Security forces conducted a targeted raid in Bajaur district. They eliminated nine militants, including two suicide bombers and a high-value target, Qureshi Ustad alias Syed Muhammad. Recovered weapons included AK-47s, AMD-65s, M4 rifles, explosives, and foreign ammunition.
- September 19-20: In North and South Waziristan, fierce clashes between the military and terrorists left 12 militants dead. Seized arms included AK-47s, SKS rifles, RPDs, and ammunition.
- August 18-19: Security forces raided Mastung district, killing three BLA terrorists and injuring three others. These militants were linked to Deputy Commissioner Zakir Ali’s assassination. The raid uncovered RPG launchers, AKM MM8s, explosives, and other weapons.
- May 14: An operation in Sambaza, Zhob district, led to the deaths of three terrorists. Recovered items included RPGs, PKM machine guns, M16 rifles, grenades, and explosives.
- April 29: A raid in Khyber district eliminated four militants, including leaders Qari Wajid and Raziq. Their hideout was destroyed, and seized weapons included M4 rifles, AK-47s, and ammunition.
Since April 21, counter-terrorism efforts have focused on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, particularly in Sambaza, Zhob district. The flow of foreign arms from Afghanistan has intensified cross-border terrorism.
The Afghan interim government claims its territory isn’t being used for such activities. However, the smuggling of U.S.-made weapons into Pakistan tells a different story. The TTP and other armed groups are using these weapons in attacks. The Eurasian Times reported that terrorists possess foreign-made arms, underlining the ongoing threat.
The Pentagon disclosed that about 300,000 weapons were left behind during the U.S. withdrawal. Between 2005 and 2021, the U.S. provided $18.6 billion in arms to Afghan forces. After the withdrawal, these weapons have been used in cross-border terrorism, further endangering Pakistan’s security.
