Security forces repulse cross-border attack, kill 12 militants

No security official reported injured in the attack

PARACHINAR: At least a dozen militants were killed while six others were apprehended as security officials repulsed a cross-border attack on a security check-post in Kurram Agency, on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Thursday.

According to political authorities and Frontier Constabulary in Parachinar, Kurram Agency’s headquarters, between 50 and 60 unidentified militants from across the border attacked a security check-post in Mangora Sar area in Lower Kurram Agency early Thursday morning.

However, troops posted at the check-post were alert and retaliated.

In the ensuing exchange of fire, security forces managed to kill at least 12 militants and injured six others. No security official was reported to have been injured in the attack. Officials added that the retaliation from security forces caused the remaining militants to retreat towards Afghanistan.

The injured militants were taken into custody by the troops. A large cache of arms and ammunition left behind by fleeing militants was also confiscated.

Security forces immediately took control of the area after the attack and tightened security measures.

Militants from across the border launch attacks on check-posts in Kurram Agency from time to time. In February, 15 militants were killed when security forces repulsed a similar cross-border attack on a check-post in Shabuk. At least one security official was injured in that attack.

Kurram Agency is at the frontline of Pakistan’s battle against an insurgency that began after the US-led invasion of Afghanistan forced Taliban and al Qaeda militants to flee across the border.

The region was claimed by the military to have been cleared of insurgents during an operation a couple of years ago, however, militants from across the border still carry out sporadic attacks.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 8^th,  2016.