Suicide attack on security forces’ camp in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali foiled | The Express Tribune

A suicide attack targeting security forces in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, has been foiled after one militant drove an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall of a security forces’ camp, according to security sources.

The vehicle exploded, after which three more assailants attempted to storm the compound on foot. All three were shot dead outside the camp following what officials described as a “prompt and decisive” response by troops.

No casualties were reported among security personnel, the sources said.

Multiple attacks targeting security forces have been reported across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including inBajaur, and Datta Khel. The operations come amid rising tensions along the Pak-Afghan border and ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the region.

Security forces also seized a vehicle carrying hundreds of kilograms of explosives belonging to the militant group Fitna al-Khawarij in Bajaur. The vehicle was reportedly intended to be detonated in a civilian area in Bajaur but was destroyed safely by the forces, with no casualties among security personnel or civilians. The explosives were smuggled from Afghanistan into Pakistan, say security sources.

Read: 34 terrorists killed in multiple K-P operations

In Datta Khel, North Waziristan, an intelligence-based operation led to the deaths of six militants. Forces had conducted eight to ten days of surveillance following confidential intelligence regarding terrorist movements. Among those killed was Fitna al-Khawarij commander Mehbub, also known as Muhammad. Three others were injured.

Separately, in Laki Marwat, an exchange of fire between the Laki Marwat Peace Committee and a militant group resulted in the deaths of five militants, including Armdi, commander of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Gul Bahadur faction.

In Bajaur’s Tangai area, Tehsil Mamund, security forces destroyed a suspicious vehicle left on the roadside overnight. No casualties were reported.

Read more: Army top brass vows ‘full force’ against terrorism

Separately, security forces have killed 34 India-backed terroristsduring multiple operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past three days, the military’s media wing said in a statement on Thursday.

According to the ISPR, the intelligence-based operations were carried out in the North Waziristan, South Waziristan and Bannu districts.

“From 13 to 15 October, 34 khawarij belonging to the Indian-proxy group Fitna al-Khawarij were killed in multiple engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

The operations form part of Pakistan’s continued counter-terrorism campaign under the vision “Azm-e-Istehkam,” aimed at eliminating foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.

Operation Azm-e-Istehkam aims to eradicate terrorism and extremism, coordinating armed forces and law enforcement efforts while addressing public concerns to curb extremist tendencies.

Also read: Any transgression by Afghanistan will result in swift response from Pakistan: Khawaja Asif

Pak-Afghan ceasefire

Pakistan maintains that Fitna-al Khawaij is being supported by Afghan Taliban regime, who iseffectively serving India’s interests, with the government in Kabul fighting a proxy war on India’s behalf.

Tensions along the Pak-Afghan border escalated last weekend, when clashes broke after Afghanistan opened unprovoked fire at multiple locations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan, prompting a swift and forceful response from the Pakistan Army. Several Afghan posts were destroyed and dozens of Afghan soliders and militants were killed.

A 48-hour ceasefire was agreed on at the behest of the Afghan Taliban regime after Pakistan’s “precision strikes” on Taliban and terrorist hideouts in Kandahar and Kabul.

According to the foreign affairs ministry, the decision was made at the Taliban’s request and with mutual consent from both sides. Both the parties are to hold a constructive dialogue and make sincere efforts to find a “positive solution to a complex but solvable issue,” said the ministry.

Pakistan warns that if Afghanistan violates the 48-hour ceasefire set in place since 6pm on Wednesday on the latter’s request, Pakistan will be compelled to respond.