Pakistan26 October, 20252 min read
Pakistan Army Kills 25 Afghan-Backed Resistance Fighters in Cross-Border Attacks Amid Peace Talks
Pakistan Army killed 25 militants during two infiltration attempts from Afghanistan. Five Pakistani soldiers died in intense cross-border clashes in Kurram and North Waziristan.
19 outlets told this the same way.
Outlets did split on Tehrik-E-Taliban Pakistan Suicide Attack Kills At Least 27 in Kohat Mosque Blast →
Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Clashes
Pakistan’s military reports it thwarted two overnight infiltration attempts along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border in North Waziristan and Kurram on Oct. 24–25.
“Both countries are currently holding talks in Istanbul to prevent further conflict after a truce was reached in Doha last week.”
The clashes resulted in the deaths of 25 militants, including four suicide bombers.
Five Pakistani soldiers were killed during the confrontations.
The ISPR identified the attackers as “Fitna al-Khawarij” and stated they tried to cross from Afghan territory.
These events occurred as diplomatic efforts continued in Türkiye following a Doha-brokered truce.
Media coverage varies on the attribution and diplomatic context.
Some outlets support Pakistan’s claim that militants came from Afghanistan during the Istanbul talks.
Other sources emphasize Kabul’s denial and its assertions of sovereignty.
Details of Security Operations
Operational details differ slightly by outlet but align on key points. The twin engagements occurred in Spinwam (North Waziristan) and Ghaki (Kurram), where security forces recovered a large cache of weapons and explosives. ISPR and multiple Pakistani outlets say the militants included four suicide bombers and belonged to the “Fitna al-Khawarij” cohort.
Five Pakistani soldiers were killed, with several sources naming the fallen. Reporting also notes these actions are framed under Pakistan’s counterterrorism drive Azm-e-Istehkam.
Cross-Border Tensions and Talks
The confrontations unfolded as Islamabad and Kabul held talks in Istanbul to stabilize a fragile ceasefire. Pakistani officials describe the incidents as part of a pattern of cross-border militancy and urge Kabul to honor the Doha Agreement. Afghan authorities deny harboring militants and accuse Pakistan of violating their sovereignty.
“Both countries are currently holding talks in Istanbul... after a truce was reached in Doha last week... the worst since the Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021.”
Some reports indicate that Pakistan has extended border closures amid the tensions. The current situation is described as the worst since 2021, with warnings of escalation if the talks fail.
Disputes Over Attack Attribution
Attribution and sovereignty claims diverge across outlets. Several Pakistani reports characterize the attackers as "Indian-backed" or "foreign-sponsored." Other coverage avoids this attribution or focuses instead on Afghanistan’s role and denials.
Kabul denies harboring militants and calls Pakistan’s actions violations of Afghan sovereignty. This stance contrasts with Islamabad’s insistence that Kabul must stop such groups from using its soil and uphold the Doha commitments.
Pakistan's Political and Security Response
Political messaging inside Pakistan underscores resolve. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces and vowed to persist with counterterrorism under Azm-e-Istehkam. Local outlets stress deterrence and border control.
Broader regional coverage ties the clashes to the Istanbul process and the Doha truce. Some West Asian coverage also notes the talks amid other national developments, reflecting differing editorial priorities.
