A group of terrorists belonging to the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) has allegedly entered Pakistan through the Afghan border in district Chitral of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The terrorists carrying high-grade military equipment attacked two check posts of the Kalash area of Chitral, which were repulsed by security forces.
According to local reports, the TTP launched a ‘large-scale’ military offensive in Chitral district and reportedly overran several villages in the area resulting in the death of several security personnel.
Pakistani security officials rejected the claims made by the TTP and claimed that no areas were taken by the militants of the terror outfit.
ISPR’s statement
The ISPR in a press release said that a large group of terrorists equipped with the latest weapons attacked two military posts located close to the Afghanistan border in Kalash.
Terrorists’ movement and concentration were witnessed in Gawardesh, Pitigal, Barg-i-Matal, and Batash areas of Nuristan and Kunar provinces of Afghanistan and timely shared with the interim Afghan Government.
The army said its own check posts were already on high alert owing to the heightened threat environment. The soldiers fought bravely and repulsed the attacks inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists.
During the fire exchange, twelve terrorists were killed while a large number were critically injured. In the heavy firing, four soldiers fought gallantly and were martyred.
The military’s media wing said the area was being sanitized to eliminate any other terrorists found in the vicinity.
The army said the security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of soldiers further strengthen our resolve. It said the brave people of Chitral also stand firmly with the security forces in not allowing the terrorists to ruin the peace of the area.
The ISPR also said that the interim Afghan government was expected to fulfill its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for perpetrating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.
Terror infiltration
Recently, Pakistan has been hit by a wave of terrorist activities and attack on security forces. The banned TTP group claimed responsibility for the attacks on the military posts.
Earlier reports on social media suggested that villages in Chitral district had allegedly come under the TTP’s control in the early hours of Wednesday. No such development was mentioned by the government or the ISPR.
Lower Chitral Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ali told media that seven soldiers and over 40 terrorists were injured in the skirmish.
He attackers “were in hundreds and were armed with light and heavy weapons. We were ready to face the attack and exchange of fire continued for some four hours”. He added they will monitor movements in areas close to the border for two or three days.
Security forces sealed entry to Chitral while another official said troops and paramilitary forces were rushed in to reinforce the district.
