Pakistani security forces killed an Afghan national accused of cross-border terrorism during a targeted raid in North Waziristan’s Datta Khel area on February 6. The military’s media division, ISPR, identified the suspect as Luqman Khan, alias Nusrat, from Afghanistan’s Khost province. Authorities confirmed contact with Kabul’s interim government to repatriate his remains.
The ISPR called the incident “irrefutable proof” of Afghan nationals’ involvement in cross-border terrorism. It urged Kabul to prevent its soil from being used for transnational threats against Pakistan.
Rising Tensions Over Border Security
The operation follows escalating concerns about militants using Afghan territory to launch attacks. Last week, Army Chief General Asim Munir and senior commanders warned Kabul during a key military conference. They demanded “concrete steps” to curb cross-border terrorism instead of denials.
In a separate raid in Dera Ismail Khan’s Madi area, four militants linked to the banned group Fitna Al-Khawarij were killed. One was Badruddin, son of a Taliban deputy governor in Afghanistan’s Badghis province. Forces recovered U.S.-made weapons, including M16A4 rifles and night-vision gear. Afghan officials, however, refused to claim his body despite repeated requests.
Pattern of Cross-Border Threats
Last month, another Afghan national, Muhammad Khan Ahmedkhel, died in a Balochistan operation. Ahmedkhel, from Paktika province, was tied to regional militancy. His body was later handed to Afghan authorities after delays.
Pakistan’s military continues to highlight cross-border terrorism as a critical security challenge. Officials stress that Kabul must address border security gaps to stabilize the region. With repeated incidents, pressure mounts on Afghanistan’s interim government to act against transnational threats.
