Pakistani military eliminates 10 militants in border raid

On February 24, 2025, Pakistani security forces conducted a military operation in Bagh, a town located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, near the Afghan border. This raid resulted in the deaths of 10 militants, although specific details about their identities were not disclosed by the military. Such operations are typically targeted at the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, which has strengthened its activities since the Afghan Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021. This context places greater significance on the raid, as the Pakistani Taliban is an ally of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and has gained momentum in the region. In addition to the military operation, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated, exemplified by the closure of a significant border crossing at Torkham. This border has been closed for three days due to a dispute over Afghanistan's construction of a border post. Pakistani authorities had closed the crossing in retaliation, further straining bilateral relations between the two countries. Abdul Jabbar Hikmat, the Afghan commissioner at Torkham, raised concerns, highlighting that similar construction by Pakistan often goes unchallenged, while Afghanistan's actions prompt immediate closures. The events at the border reflect ongoing disputes and the fragile nature of the relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly regarding border management and control. The border known as the Durand Line has historically been a contentious issue, as Afghanistan has never officially recognized it, while Pakistan has nearly completed fencing along the region. This divide has often led to clashes and misunderstandings between the two nations, fueled further by activities conducted by militant groups. The closure of Torkham not only disrupts trade but could potentially escalate tensions, affecting local economies and diplomatic relations. In the broader context, the military's actions and the tense border situation reveal the precarious security landscape in northern Pakistan. The rising threat from the Taliban and their affiliates poses significant challenges for Pakistani security forces, highlighting the complex interplay between domestic security operations and wider geopolitical tensions in the region.