Monitoring Desk:
Quetta, July 19 — Security officials have confirmed that Pakistani forces successfully thwarted an infiltration attempt along the Pak-Afghan border and arrested five suspected suicide bombers. The development was first reported by state-run broadcaster Pakistan Television (PTV), quoting security sources.
According to PTV, on July 17 at around 5:00 pm, a group of suspected militants labeled as “Khawarij” by security agencies tried to cross into Pakistani territory from Afghanistan. Acting on immediate intelligence, security forces set up multiple checkpoints and blocked their movement.
PTV further stated that the suspects moved towards Azizkhel and Mandikhel areas but, facing strong resistance, sought shelter in a mosque in Besikhel. Security forces swiftly surrounded the mosque, leading to the peaceful surrender of all five individuals.
Security officials confirmed to PTV that all five arrested suspects are Afghan nationals between 15 and 18 years of age, with three of them possessing Afghan identity cards. The suspects have been moved to an undisclosed location for further investigation.
Following the incident, border security has been tightened, and search operations are ongoing to deter any further infiltration attempts.
Security sources also alleged via PTV that hostile foreign elements, including India, are actively supporting such infiltration efforts by backing Khawarij-linked groups to destabilize Pakistan.
This incident comes as Pakistan faces an increase in militant activity, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, after the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire agreement with the government in late 2022.
