PESHAWAR, Pakistan — On Monday, Pakistani security forces conducted an operation in the volatile northwest region close to the Afghan border, resulting in the deaths of ten militants, according to military sources.
Although the military did not disclose specific information regarding the militants killed in Bagh, which is part of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, such operations are typically aimed at the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan. This group, which has connections with the Taliban in Afghanistan, has gained more influence following the Afghan Taliban’s takeover of power in 2021.
In a related development, a significant crossing on the Afghan-Pakistani border remained closed for a third consecutive day on Monday. This closure was attributed to a disagreement over Afghanistan’s construction of a border post, causing authorities to stop traffic at this vital trade corridor. The disruption of trade at the Torkham crossing has been a major concern since it was shut down last Saturday.
Abdul Jabbar Hikmat, the commissioner on the Afghan side of the Torkham border, expressed frustration over the situation, stating that whenever Pakistani officials engage in construction on their side, there is no pushback. However, he noted that Afghanistan faces border shut downs for its developmental activities. The border situation often remains tense, with both sides frequently closing Torkham over disputes related to the construction of new border posts along the disputed border known as the Durand Line. While Afghanistan does not recognize the Durand Line, Pakistan has made significant progress in completing fencing along this contentious border.
