The Pakistan military announced on Friday that its forces had killed more than 30 militants in North Waziristan, a restive northern district bordering Afghanistan, during a three-day operation. The militants were reportedly affiliated with the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) or allied groups.

The operation comes just days after a suicide bombing claimed by the TTP killed 16 Pakistani soldiers in the same region, escalating tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for "thwarting an infiltration attempt," stating they had "demonstrated exceptional professionalism, vigilance, and preparedness, preventing a potential catastrophe." His office also confirmed that a "large quantity of weapons, ammunition, and explosives" had been recovered during the operation.

The recent clashes follow a pattern of escalating violence in Pakistan’s border regions since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. In April 2025, the Pakistani military killed 54 insurgents in North Waziristan, highlighting the persistent militant threat.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of allowing militants to operate from its soil, calling on the Taliban-led government to prevent its territory from being used by "foreign proxies." Islamabad has also alleged Indian involvement in supporting militant groups, including the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the TTP—a claim both Afghanistan and India have denied.

Tensions with India further intensified after a shooting in Kashmir in April killed 26 civilians, prompting Islamabad to renew accusations of New Delhi’s alleged backing of insurgent groups.

According to AFP, more than 290 people, mostly security personnel, have been killed in militant attacks across Pakistan since the beginning of 2025. The Pakistani Taliban, though separate from the Afghan Taliban, remains a key security challenge, operating from the rugged northwestern border regions.