Pakistan security forces killed 23 militants in Kurram district, accusing India of backing them amid deteriorating relations with Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan security forces killed 23 militants in two targeted operations near the Afghan frontier.
The army said Thursday the militants belonged to the Pakistani Taliban or its affiliated groups.
A military statement accused archfoe India of backing the militants.
The raids took place in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a flashpoint for cross-border militancy.
“Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,” the statement added.
Islamabad has routinely accused Kabul of harbouring militant groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Pakistan has also stepped up rhetoric against India in recent months, which it claims backs militant groups.
Both neighbours deny any involvement.
The raids come after a suicide bombing outside a court in Islamabad killed 12 people and wounded dozens last week.
Pakistan said the bombing was planned from Afghanistan.
A faction of the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply deteriorated.
Cross-border clashes last month prompted the worst fighting in years.
More than 70 people were killed on both sides in their week-long conflict.
The border remains closed between the South Asian neighbours.
They agreed to a fragile ceasefire but failed to finalise its terms after several rounds of talks.
Each side blames the other for the impasse. – AFP
