PESHAWAR: Twenty-six security personnel were killed and four others injured in a cross-border attack in the Chitral region on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Saturday.
Check-posts in the Langorbut and Kavti areas of Arandhi and Ursun and Mir Khani in Drosht came under attack in an early morning raid when militants crossed over at 4:00am from Nuristan province in Afghanistan, officials said.
“Firing is still continuing in the area and it is feared that casualties might rise,” said an official.
There were unconfirmed reports of people missing, but officials said the situation was still unclear and there was limited communication because of the geographical location of the area.
Local sources said there were reports of militant activity in the border region after intense fighting in Nuristan.
Last year, an Afghan official claimed that Maulana Fazlullah, runaway chief of Swat Taliban, had been killed in a clash between security forces and militants in the Barg Mittal area of Nuristan.
The government has eyed the Afghan border with much suspicion and blames the Afghan government of not taking action against militants in the border areas. It is believed that militants who escaped the military operation in FATA and Malakand took refuge in Kunar and Nuristan in Afghanistan.
Militants from across the border have consistently attacked check-posts and raided villages in Dir, Bajaur and Mohmand from April to July this year.
(Read: Operation in Mohmand: ‘90pc border areas under army control’)
COMMENTS (66)
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@Steven: "These anti state criminals are sent through Afghanistan since India and Afghanistan send these criminals across the border to hurt Pakistanis."
TTP and Radio mullah are Pakistani citizens with whom the government had a done a peace treaty in 2009 called Nizam-e-Adl. Imran Khan actively supported that. When these people violated the treaty, Pak army stepped in to clean up Swat (which as we all know is in Pakistan and not Afghanistan). So to call these people Indian is heights of denial.
These are Pakistani insurgents that were able to escape to Afghanistan due to the border that has ben deliberately kept porous to facilitate the movement of Afghan Taliban who are viewed as strategic assets. Unfortunately that has unintended consequence of also helping TTP.
@Someone: "I have long maintained that the only way to decrease this menace is to actually go inside Afghanistan. Pak Air Force should start aerial campains on Afghan airspace, if NATO isnt going to do anything".
If you do this then in effect you would be permitting India to do the same also by setting a precedent. In other words, it would be legitimate for Indian fighters to come to Pakistan to take care of non-state actors in Pakistan. The fact is it wouldN OT be right for India to do that and it is NOT right for Pak to contemplate that.
Vienna,25-09-2011 I pray Allah to help land of the pure Muslim Pakistan. Allah has defended Durand Line for thousands of years even before Islamic Umma was born.How can you Allah let now Pakistan go down.Allah never refuses accepting prayers of the devote. Allah be the ever merciful. Taravadu Taranga Trust for Media monitroing TTTMM India --Kulamarva Balakrishna
Taliban is nothing but a product of the Indian terror manufacturing machine that is trained funded and duped and given a title called 'Taliban' as a cover for the Indian proxy war against Pakistan. Their proxy network is cowardly based in Afghanistan but threatening both east and western borders of Pakistan and even city limits. Pakistan should absolutely seal its eastern and western borders for the time being atleast.
@Bader: The world knows Pakistan set this trend of sending militants way back in 1948. Now consider this as chicken coming to roost back home. Enjoy the fruit of your labour.
@saeed: Indian people are concerned with attacks from Pakistan by those terrorists that Pakistan harbours to provide "Moral and political support to our brothers in Occupied Kashmir". In case you are not familiar with these peace loving charitable institutions, they go by the names of Lashkar e Taiyyaba, Jaish e Mohammad and Harkat ul Jihad e Islam. Evidently pious bodies all. In this Holy Month may be you can prevail upon them not to turn their "nek nazar" towards India? We would deem it a great favour and ask " dua" for you.
@Tony Singh - Regarding your notion of setting a precedent . . . .Since India has set a precedent of this undeclared Proxy war against the Pakistani public and its military installations and personnel . . . . .then this would mean that as a tit for tat . . . it could be fed or exported back to India as dose of their own medicine. . . . . . Treat others as you would like yourself be treated!!! Be careful next time you talk about setting a precedent . . . . . .
Can we Pakistanis stop kidding ourselves that India, Israel, and the US would support such terrorists against us? While India may generally dislike Pakistan, I am quite certain that having another Afghanistan on their border would be even worse for them. While India may not like Zardari and Company, they are certainly much better for India's safety and security than being neighbors with a Pakistan controlled by terrorists and religious radicals.
It's hard for us Pakistanis to realize this because our own foreign policy is so awful and poorly thought out. We continue to negotiate with the world with a gun to our own head. India and the US would love to have a democratic, stable, peaceful, and economically prosperous Pakistan.
I feel awful for the poor soldiers killed in this attack. May they have the strength to fight on no matter what.
@Tony Singh - So you are aknowledging that India has a hand in in causing mayhem and death to Pakistani citizens on a daily basis and attacking its borders from all sides east and west. This is a cowardly one way street war that India has waged against Pakistan. This can turn into a two way street as soon as the sleeping dog wakes up . . . . .
@Bader: Who said proxy war is a one way street? You will be treated as you treat others.
@Shehryar: For a very simple reason. If you do that, you set a precedent and next time your militants attack India, the Indians follow suit.
Recently the defence Secretary briefed to a committee in parliament that Abbotabad incedent happened because Pakistan had not percieved any threat from the west and that now we are fully prepared for it. My question to the people in government is that is this the preparation of Pakistani defence planning that whenever Afghanistan wants she can can commit agression against a nuclear armed Pakistan, kill its people in scores of dozens and then go back without being punished. Let me tell that such unabated killings of Pakistani troops will happen again and again in future and can't be curbed with protest with Afghan diplomats or NATO people. Now it is an international rule, albeit neither legal nor approved by the UNO, that countries make punitive strikes for any hostile action against their people or country. So in my opinion if at all we are serious in eliminating such future aggression against our motherland Pakistan must make retaliatory stike on Afghanistan in a manner that it will think 1000 times before repeating any such hostile acts. Here I am reminded by a quote of Ch. Shujaat Hussain wherein he said, Pakistan has not made Atom bomb for firing on Shab-e-Barat. Moreover, we should also remember that saying " Hay Jurm-e-Zaeefi Ki Saza Marg-e-Mufajat. "
Why was the air force not sent in to bomb these infiltrators, even after they crossed back into Afghanistan?
@Rakesh - The main problem appears to be India's stubborn interference into Afghanistan and Pakistan and as a result, the whole region of Indo-Pak and beyond may be engulfed into a perpetual war benefiting no one to say the least. The US and Pakistan have made major sacrifices. Both US and Pakistan will be able to handle this to successfull conclusion provided India keeps out and let US and Pakistan tackle this otherwise it will engulf India too in this perpetual war.
@Mr blah blahs - You can Blah all you want . . . India's secret war against Pakistan is well known by Pakistanis as they are the target. Some wise figure once said . . . .You may fool some of the people all the time, all the people some of the time, but not all the people all the time!! The so called Taliban puppets and their likes are the Indian puppets funded and aided by the Indians and their believers through the back doors and they should be treated as enemies of common humanity, as they both Indians and their back door puppets have the same goal and same target!!! Go figure . . . . . Pakistanis are very much enlightened by this scenario!
@Ishtiaer ISI and Gen Naseer Baber...during zia there were no talibans...there were mujahideen, much better in approach towards women and education thought still conservative.
Please Pray for them. 1 time AlHamd U Lilla and 3 times Qul Ho Wallah Please pray everyone for Eesale Sawab... May ALLAH Give Them Soul in Peace AMEEN SUMA AMEEN ...
Lot of my friends over hear are speculating about Indian and NATO hands behind all this but one thing they do not understand. A movement cannot be started just like that. Their has to be some underlying cause.Taleban is a movement. Irrespective of the viability of they ways, taleban are committed to their cause. At the basic level i see Talebanism as a social movement against the Feudal arrangement of the tribal Afghan society. Their idea of islam is medieval but islam in itself is a very formidable socialist way where you assure equality and justice for all irrespective of their social, economic and lineage status. Taleban is also a nascent expression of Pashtun nationalism which has its appeal on either side of the Durrand Line. Pakistani policy-makers first suppressed the Pashtun nationalism, then fostered and used it during the Soviet attack of Afghanistan. Now they are again fighting them. This is a very dangerous strategy. I think this is now backfiring. Yes their is logic in the argument that NATO, Afghans and may be Indians are involved. But there is no proof. Pakistan can never provide proof for this. If they go in for surgical strikes then that would justify the US action regarding OBL. It may also provide logical legitimacy for India to conduct surgical strikes on terrorists training camps in Pakistan and Pak Occupied Kashmir. On the other hand if this becomes a trend then the Pak military will be in for some very challenging times. It will also put a huge stress on the Pak economy. There is a huge convergence of interests of NATO, Afghanistan, India and most importantly Taleban on such cross-border incursions and sudden attacks into Pakistan from the west.. I see these increasing. Either Pakistan will budge and accept US conditions or this along with some kind of a rejuvenation of latent Pashtun nationalism are going to be the cornerstone of US strategy towards pakistan. The main player is USA. No India or Afghanistan would do anything against the wish of USA. And we must remember they are already negotiating with the Taleban independently.
@Bengal xyz: @Mocking xyz: another lol, seems 2 in 1, again blaming!!!!!!!!! get a life lol, as long as pakis believe that India is behind taliban, karachi, and all other conflicts in pakistan, there is no hope for you, if you want to believe so, you are free to do so. but your sufferings will continue pakistan always want an enemy to blame for its existence, and usually victim is India, but who cares, even china?? china want to improve their economy and a puppet to play against India, otherwise..... think, do wisely that is good for you than blaming. (is blaming is the only solution for you??)
This is nothing but India's Gorrilla warfare with the help of others against Pakistan! Welcome to Cambodia . . .
@Babloo and @ Cautious - Go figure - Yes, Talibans are a 'Puppet on a String' and the Puppet Master is India and its partners in crime as they and only they are holding and jiggling the string in this undeclared proxy war against Pakistan!
The problem is that we have joind the war but reluctant to fight it. We thought that like previous Afghan War, we will make money just by training terrorists. This war is different, we need to fight it out. Dying fighting is more hounerable than dying like sitting ducks. This incident is yet another proof of poor leadership, training and reluctance.
@Babloo - It is just a 'Puppet on a String' and all indicators point towards India and its partners in crime!
@swet ji anand -Dear, It is obvious - Talibans are the proxy warriors of foreign hand against Pakistan. They are nothing but puppets that spring up when loaded with waepons and money by the foreign enemy of Pakistan. . . and What is India doing through the Afghan Borders?? . . .Yes, springing up these little puppets against Pakistan . . . infact India is at at War with Pakistan without declaring a War!! Who do you think India is fooling? Only India!!!
History teaches us that violence or use of force never worked on Pashtuns as revenge taking is their code of life.
Pakistani political leaders and civil and military officials have failed to reduce corruption and they are not willing to give up their lavish life styles and plunder.
Hence this vicious cycle of violence and revenge taking will kill more and more ordinary Pakistanis. .
We have took the American war on our head. Now after 10 years US, with its super tech Forces, has realized that there is no end to this war so it decided to quit Afghanistan. But we have got enough stamina to fight with Taleban. U.S. will soon go out of this junk. Imagine what will happen thereafter? Whats going on in Somalia, Yemen or Rawanda? Have we got more power or Technology then U.S.? or got "Faith on Allah" to fight against our Muslim Brothers termed by U.S. as "terrorists". Why the same people were called "Mujahid" by our Media & Govt. before they were announced "Terrorist" by U.S.? Maybe due to any reason (to fight against China) US again need Taleban. I am sure our Govt. will again call them "Mujahid"
So is Pakistan now calling for 'root causes of Taleban atacks' to be removed ?
The Arm forces need to wake up from their break time!! This is the modern time and a full fledged war that has seeped into the nation and is being attacked from all borders. What is the hold up?? What is the paralysis about?? This is the Arm force calling to take charge now and stop this from spreading further like wild fire and from getting out of their controll causing more tragedies. If this is not stopped now, than the consequencies will be even worse and even the Arm Forces will not be effective. NO time to wait and waste . . .this sitaution is extremely time sensitive!!
i wonder what would be reaction of the pakistanis who openly hailed taliban when they shot down that US chinook carrying navy seals.confused nation with confused people still trying to decide between good taliban bad taliban.
Terrible news. NATO and Afghan forces have been utter failures in bringing peace to Afghanistan. And then Pakistan is made the scapegoat.
pakistani military dictators helped US to create Taliban and after russian retreat from afghanistan pakistan controlled taliban at large, that is why world need pakistan and ISI now to contain Taliban. pakistan wanted to use Taliban for keeping afghanistan under its influence and stop india to get a hold in afghanistan and central asia and also it created many extremist groups against india. now some extremist groups waging a war against pakistan itself bcz pakistan realize the great risk of not scaling down support to these groups , one example hillary clinton, after time square incident warned a severe repercussion if, another pakistani link found. it is same US now who is angry with the act of expelling us trainers by pakistan, removing its force from afghanistani border near to pakistan so that taliban now angry with pakistan can enter into pakistan and create problem there. so now pakistan govt. thinking of allowing US trainers back to pakistan. why one do expect a international sympathy for this accident.
Pakistan should use its Arm forces in protecting its nation. What are they there, for?? If not the protection of Pakistan . . then what?? Why has this carnage been allowed to go so far. . .many eyebrows and questions are being raised by the genaral public about the responsibilities of the Arm Forces. Just because some how Pakistan was able to squeek out someting called Democracy . . does not mean that the Arm Forces can take a break and let its people die like flies . . .and this includes common citizens and security forces. Military and Airforce cover is crucial. . . in taking care of its Jawans guarding the Nation. It appears that the entire nation is left at the mercy of all kinds of dangers . . . crimes, proxy wars from within and outside . . . and left out dry to fend from themselves. If this sinks further, then unfortunately, everyone loses to the satisfaction of the enemy of Pakistan.
@Arsalan: Iam glad that unlike your like minded peoples,you atleast admit that these terrorists are neither American or Indian agent these are home grown dynamites.and we must clean them from our back yard no matter how long it takes, and let me tell you one more thing despite of all the operations. the full fledge action is still due.
@Pragmatist: You forget, Pakistan knows how to deal with the Taleban and we can look after our back yard. When the West leaves, it wil be up to Pakistan alone to oick up the pieces as it did when the Soviets were kicked out. The problem with the Russians was that they didn't understand the people there. After all we all know that it was due to Pakistani military invovlement both overt and covert that the Soviets were removed and the Soviet Union ultimately collapsed. When it is our eatern flank, you can be sure that the Pak military will deal with it effectively.
The establishment in Pakistan are quick to point out that empires meet their end in Afghanistan, little realizing that the "Punjabi Empire of Pakistan" will also meet its doom because of intervention in Afghanistan.
It is indeed illogical to conclude that India would remotely be supporting the most dangerous terrorists organisation TTP who after Talbanising Pakistan would ultimately train its guns against India and even nuke it if they are able to take control of the nuclear arsenal. However, it is yet another wake up call for Pakistan to act decisively not only against TTP but also other outfits ie so called assets.
If the russians lost against the afghans, the americans lost against the afghans, we surely are nothing, its better to be prepared because severe defeat is coming. May Allah save Pakistan. No one else can.
Pak armed forces needs to and have to take action now.. Or else we r gonna keep losing our BROTHERS..
@Maulana Diesel: How amusing and hypocritical of a secular, on another page your crying at shahbaz taseer's abduction , here you are acting like a true fascist and justifying inhumanity!
What a laugh -- Pakistani's talking about invading Afghanistan to "go after" those bad Taliban. If you had a real interest in fighting the Taliban you don't have to go all the way to Afghanistan - in fact - you probably will have to fight your way through the Taliban just to get to your own border.
@M.A.Raja(pakista tehreek eh insaf)
The attackers are the taliban expelled from Malakand/Swat, which according to Imran khan, had brought quick justice.While taliban were blowing up schools and dumping headless bodies in Mangora Chowk, Imran was educating everyone about the virtues of taliban rule
@Maulana Diesel: What makes you think Pakistan will succeed where the Russians failed? Once you take on the Taliban, the Russians will start supporting the Taliban just to pay you back in the same currency. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
For Allah's sake, will you stop blaming India and Israel for all your sins? You were the ones who went to bed with the terrorists. You guys thought you were clever to get the terrorists to do the dirty work for you. But what you didn't realize was that the terrorists were using you to get money and arms. Now that your purse is empty, they'll keep beating you until you come up with more money and ammo to them. Whose fault is that? It's time you realize that, as a nation, you're not as clever as you imagine.
These anti state criminals are sent through Afghanistan since India and Afghanistan send these criminals across the border to hurt Pakistanis. Bless the brave soldiers who fought and defended the nation. We should bring up this issue with Afghanistan and their Indian masters. The border needs to be fenced and mined between Pakistan and Afghanistan so that these people cannot come near our nation.
Take on these taliban once and for all and show no mercy. Furthermore, make sure no prisoners are taken once the battle is over.
I have long maintained that the only way to decrease this menace is to actually go inside Afghanistan. Pak Air Force should start aerial campains on Afghan airspace, if NATO isnt going to do anything.
So Pakistan suffers from cross border atack by Pakistanis ? Its Tehrik E Taleban Pakistan ( TTP ) which is made of Pakistani nationals , who were once portrayed as patriots who would be first line of defense against India, who are launching this attacks. What a surprise.
Solution is easy... stop nato containers for a few days!
Why do you write them killed ? It would be better if you write SHAHEED
Will anybody mind staging a sitting strike infavour of these soldiers who lost their lives in yet another Cowardly action of Taliban Terrorists. will any media person give them a coverage the way they did it to their beloved drone attack victims which are mostly the most wanted terrorists. open your eyes if we remain in denial mood and stick on calling it an american or indian consipiracy then iam affraid the day is not far away when our homes located at karachi, lahore ,islamabad and else where will be attacked in the same manner
@Aamir: this is not other's this is our own war for the servival of our non-taliban system, where there is still some respect left for the peoples belongs to other then wahabi sect and those who follow other religion.
These militants are backed by NATO and RAW. Zionists want nothing but complete destruction of Pakistan. But i wonder how come there are still people who think that America is Pakistan's friend..May Allah bring those pre 9/11 peaceful and prosperous days back in our homeland..
Indian and Israeli's propaganda backed by westerns lobby groups who are collaborating they work on long term goals to achieve where as Pakistan intelligence agencies have reports about Indian motives but it can not be effective to counter, we need to organise our self our self and set a strategy to counter internationally
PAF should take out these militants hideouts in Afghanistan. For what else do we have these pricy planes?
Why does our army have to congregate in one place all the time? and where are the billions of Choppers the US "supposedly" gave them.
i think that we should continuous the war of terror and know we spreed that war through that country whose support the teressiot and the gorment of the country hose do nothing
so as if goats died, imagine what would have US done created a hysteria whereas we are dumb quiet.
Now taliban are trying to create strategic depth inside Pakistan
Very sad news. Our sons are being killed regularly for the war of others. Talk to these militants and dilute insurgencies. US has left Pakistan again to deal with such bad guys.
Now this news will never catch the eye of international media and indian media..26 pakistani security persons killed in a attack by taliban coming from afghanistan...now tell me where are safe heavens of these talibans...no one will talk about the safe heavens given by afghanistan to these terrorists and indian proxy game...instead if it was another way around and some militants would have atacked afghan forces..ohh man you would se all these obsessed people and media going bazark on there propoganda against pakistan...shame on those faces and minds with such biased thinking...