Pakistan kills 16 militants amid border tensions with Afghanistan

Pakistan's security forces killed 16 militants linked to the Pakistani Taliban during an attempted infiltration from Afghanistan into the North Waziristan region. The military's media wing, ISPR, reported that security forces intercepted the militants near Ghulam Khan Kallay on the night of March 22-23, engaging them in a fierce firefight that resulted in the death of all attackers. Pakistan has consistently urged the Afghan government to ensure effective border management to prevent such incursions, as tensions remain high due to increasing militant activity attributed to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The military emphasized its commitment to safeguarding Pakistan's sovereignty and continuing operations to eliminate terrorism. This incident coincided with ongoing diplomatic efforts between Pakistan and Afghanistan to address security concerns. Relations between the two countries have been strained, particularly since the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, which has emboldened the TTP.