Afghan commander among militants killed in operation by security forces |
The country’s security forces have identified another Afghan militant killed during a recent operation against cross-border infiltration, as tensions between the two countries rise over militant incursions, security sources said on Monday.
The militant, Mujib ur Rehman alias Mansoor, was among 14 insurgents killed in an intelligence-based operation in Ghulam Khan Kelay near the Afghan border on February 28, the sources said.
He was a commander of the third battalion at Afghanistan’s Hazrat Muaz bin Jabal National Military Academy and a resident of Wardak province.
The identification follows a pattern of Afghan nationals allegedly involved in militant activities on Pakistani soil.
In a similar operation on January 30, security forces killed Badruddin, an Afghan army lieutenant and son of the deputy governor of Badghis province, in Dera Ismail Khan.
Security officials say Afghanistan’s interim government is not only failing to prevent cross-border infiltration but is also providing logistical support to insurgent groups.
The presence of advanced weapons with the militants indicates potential links between Afghan authorities and extremist groups such as Fitnatul Khawarij, they added.
“Afghanistan has become a safe haven for various terrorist groups, with the interim government turning a blind eye to their activities,” said a senior security official, requesting anonymity.
Defence analysts have urged the Afghan administration to prioritise the welfare of its citizens, particularly in health and education sectors, instead of facilitating militant activities.
“Afghanistan is already facing an economic and humanitarian crisis. The government should focus on rebuilding the country rather than exporting militancy,” said defence analyst Brig (retd) Mahmood Shah.
Security officials warned that most Afghan nationals attempting to infiltrate Pakistan either surrender, are captured, or killed. They urged Afghan families to keep their children away from extremist groups.
