Afghanistan Times
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AT Kabul: Pakistan’s military has reported a successful raid on a militant hideout near the Afghanistan border, resulting in an intense shootout that claimed the lives of eight militants. The operation, conducted in the South Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, saw the seizure of weapons and ammunition in an intelligence-based effort.
In a separate incident on Monday, a suicide bomber targeted a vehicle carrying security forces in the northwestern Bannu district. The attack resulted in the tragic loss of two civilians and left 10 others injured, including three soldiers, according to the military’s statement.
While the military did not provide specific details about the identities of the militants, the blame typically falls on the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban. The TTP, although a distinct group, maintains an alliance with the Afghan Taliban. The Afghan Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, coinciding with the final stages of the U.S. and NATO troop withdrawal, has led to increased tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Many TTP leaders and fighters have reportedly found sanctuaries in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s takeover, further complicating the security situation. The Pakistani Taliban, often targeting troops across the country, has become a source of contention between Pakistan and the Taliban-led administration in Afghanistan. Pakistan has urged the Taliban to prevent the TTP from using Afghan soil to launch attacks.
Amidst these security challenges, Pakistan has initiated a crackdown on migrants living in the country illegally, primarily targeting millions of Afghans. Over 400,000 Afghans have returned to their home country due to fear of arrest. The Taliban-led administration in Afghanistan has criticized the forced deportations, and the United Nations has warned of potential severe human rights violations resulting from such actions. The developments underscore the complex dynamics and security concerns prevalent in the region.
