What’s happening in Chitral?
Four soldiers were killed and 12 terrorists were slain in an operation to repel militants from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chitral district on Wednesday.
According to an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) press statement, a “large group of terrorists equipped with the latest weapons” attacked two military checkpoints near the Afghanistan border in Chitral district’s general region of Kalash.
“Terrorists’ movement and concentration in Gawardesh, Pitigal, Barg-i-Matal and Batash areas of Nuristan and Kunar provinces of Afghanistan had already been picked up and were timely shared with Interim Afghan Government.
“Owing to heightened threat environment, own posts were already on high alert. The valiant soldiers fought bravely and repulsed the attacks inflicting heavy casualties to the terrorists. During the fire exchange, twelve terrorists were sent to hell, while a large number has been critically injured,” the ISPR said.
Pakistan Army assisting civil administration in rescue and relief operation for affected local population in flash floods hit areas of Golon, Chitral. Affected population being heli lifted to safer places. Tentage and rations provided. Medical teams also present. pic.twitter.com/KrYOm1sxtk
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) July 9, 2019
It went on to say that four troops “fought gallantly” and were slain during the exchange of fire.
According to the press release, the area is being sanitised in order to eliminate any more terrorists located nearby.
“Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our soldiers further strengthen our resolve. 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 said.
What’s happening in Chitral?
The press release added that the interim Afghan government was “expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan”.
The attacks on military sites were claimed by the outlawed militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
After the proscribed TTP broke its truce with the government in November last year, Pakistan has seen an increase in terror activity in recent months, particularly in KP and Balochistan.
Six troops were martyred in an exchange of fire in South Waziristan district on August 22, according to the military’s media wing last week. During the gun fight, at least four terrorists were killed.
Last month, 12 Pakistan Army troops died as martyrs in separate military operations in Balochistan’s Zhob and Sui districts.
This was the biggest single-day death toll from terrorist strikes documented by the military this year. Prior to this, in February 2022, 10 people were killed in a ‘fire raid’ in Balochistan’s Kech area.
According to a report released in July by the think tank Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, the first half of this year saw a steady and worrying rise in terror and suicide attacks, killing 389 people across the country.
With the growth in militancy comes growing anxiety about cross-border terrorism by elements stationed in Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s military leadership and former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose term ended last month, both expressed concern about the availability of “safe havens” and “liberty of action” for militants in Afghanistan, claiming that Afghan citizens were also involved in terror attacks in Pakistan. They also asked Kabul to take action.
