ISLAMABAD (MNN); Pakistan’s security forces have intensified counterterrorism operations along the country’s western border, conducting around 800 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) over the past month and killing approximately 200 suspected Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, according to the figures provided.
The operations were launched across several sensitive districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where security forces have stepped up efforts to prevent cross-border infiltration, disrupt militant networks and eliminate groups accused of carrying out attacks inside Pakistan.
According to the available figures, 48 Afghan nationals or militants described as having Afghan links and bases were among those killed during the operations. The reported presence of Afghan nationals among the militants is being cited by Pakistani security circles as evidence supporting Islamabad’s longstanding concerns about militant groups operating from across the border.
North and South Waziristan Operations
In North and South Waziristan, security forces reportedly conducted around 230 intelligence-based operations, killing 62 TTP militants. According to the figures, 16 Afghan nationals were among those killed.
The tribal districts along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border have remained a major focus of counterterrorism operations because of their difficult terrain and history of militant activity. Pakistani authorities have repeatedly maintained that militant groups attempt to exploit the porous and mountainous border areas to infiltrate Pakistan and target security personnel and civilians.
Bajaur and Mohmand
In Bajaur and Mohmand districts, security forces reportedly carried out around 180 operations, resulting in the deaths of 55 militants, including 13 Afghan nationals, according to the data provided.
The districts share borders with Afghanistan and have witnessed repeated militant violence over the years. Pakistani security agencies have continued intelligence-led operations in the region to dismantle militant hideouts and prevent armed groups from regrouping.
Khyber and Orakzai
The figures further show that approximately 160 operations were conducted in Khyber and Orakzai districts, where 46 militants were reportedly killed. Eleven Afghan nationals were included among the dead.
Khyber district, in particular, has strategic importance due to its proximity to the Afghanistan border and major crossing routes. Security forces have frequently carried out intelligence-based operations in the region against militants accused of planning attacks and facilitating cross-border movement.
Balochistan Sector
In Balochistan, security forces reportedly conducted around 140 operations in the Zhob, Pishin and Quetta regions. A total of 37 militants were said to have been killed, including eight Afghan nationals.
Balochistan has also witnessed a rise in militant attacks in recent years, prompting Pakistani security forces to expand intelligence-driven operations against groups accused of targeting civilians, security installations and development projects.
Pakistan’s Concerns Over Cross-Border Militancy
Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns with the Afghan Taliban authorities regarding the alleged presence of TTP fighters and other militants on Afghan territory.
Islamabad maintains that the TTP has been using sanctuaries across the border to plan and launch attacks inside Pakistan. The Afghan Taliban administration, however, has previously rejected accusations that Afghan territory is being used against Pakistan.
The reported involvement of Afghan nationals among the militants killed in recent operations is likely to further intensify Pakistan’s concerns over cross-border militancy and security along the western frontier.
Pakistan has faced a renewed wave of militant violence in recent years, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Security forces have responded by increasing intelligence-based operations aimed at dismantling militant infrastructure, intercepting infiltration attempts and targeting armed groups.
Pakistani authorities have consistently stated that the country will not tolerate attacks or militant activity originating from across its borders and that any threat to national security will be dealt with through decisive counterterrorism measures.
The latest reported operations underline Pakistan’s continuing efforts to strengthen security along its western frontier amid growing concerns over militant infiltration, cross-border terrorism and the resurgence of armed networks in the region.
