PESHAWAR: Evidence has surfaced again showing that foreign weapons from Afghanistan are being used in attacks on Pakistani soil.
A group of terrorists on March 4 tried to strike Bannu Cantonment. However, security forces thwarted their attack with a swift response, killing all 16 terrorists, including four suicide bombers. The weapons recovered from their possession are foreign weapons.
As per the reports, authorities recovered M4 Carbines and 40mm VOG-25 grenades from the slain terrorists. These weapons had been used in attacks on security forces and the killing of innocent civilians.
This attack is part of a rising wave of terrorism linked to Afghanistan. Terrorists continue to infiltrate through the Pak-Afghan border, targeting both security forces and civilians. The weapons used in these attacks are largely from stockpiles left by the US in Afghanistan.
On February 28, 2025, security forces killed six terrorists during an operation in North Waziristan’s Ghulam Khan area. Among the recovered weapons were M24 Sniper Rifles and M4 Carbines. These terrorists had been targeting Pakistani forces and civilians.
Earlier, on February 15, 2025, Pakistani forces killed 15 terrorists in two separate clashes. Nine Khawarij were killed in Dera Ismail Khan, while six were killed in Miran Shah, North Waziristan. Security forces seized M16/A2 and M4 Carbines, used in attacks on civilians.
In January 2025, security forces struck in Harnai, killing 11 terrorists and destroying their hideouts. On January 31 and February 1, forces foiled a terrorist plan to set up a roadblock in Kalat, killing 12 terrorists and recovering M24 Sniper Rifles and M16A4s with Night Vision.
Earlier intelligence-based operations in North Waziristan led to the deaths of several terrorists, including six on January 11, 2025. A large cache of foreign weapons was recovered, including AK-47s, M4s, and Dragunovs.
These operations show the continued threat posed by the smuggling of foreign weapons from Afghanistan to Pakistan. The weapons, including those left by the US, are fuelling terrorist activities.
According to the Pentagon, the US provided $ 18.6 billion in weapons to Afghan security forces. The US provided a total of 427,300 combat weapons to Afghan forces, with 300,000 remaining at the time of withdrawal.
These weapons are now being used by groups like the TTP in cross-border attacks.
The Afghan interim government faces growing questions over its role in arming and harbouring terrorist organizations.
The evidence points to a dangerous trend, with foreign-made weapons being used against the Pakistani people. This is a significant blow to the Afghan government’s claims that they are not supporting terrorism on foreign soil.
