Pakistan: 5 troops killed in cross border attack
Army says 10 terrorists reportedly killed in exchange of fire near border with Afghanistan
By Aamir Latif
KARACHI, Pakistan
At least ten suspected militants and five Pakistan army troops have been killed in a "cross border" attack from Afghanistan, according to Pakistan’s military Monday.
An army statement said that terrorists from across the border attempted a physical attack on three Pakistan border posts in the northern Mohmand Agency tribal region Sunday night.
"Effective presence, vigilance and response repulsed the terrorists attempt. In exchange of fire, five soldiers embraced Shahadat [martyrdom], while over 10 terrorists were reported killed," the statement said.
Pakistan’s army chief, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa expressed appreciation for the troop’s response, stressing the need for physical presence by security forces on the Afghan side of the border for effective security.
"Terrorists are a common threat and must be denied freedom of movement/action along the border," he was quoted as saying.
Tensions between the two countries have risen following a recent wave of terrorism in Pakistan, for which Islamabad blames terrorists reportedly based in Afghanistan.
Two main border crossing points -- Chaman and Torkham -- remain closed since late last month, following a suicide bombing that struck inside a Sufi shrine in Sehwan in southern Sindh province, leaving more than 85 people dead and hundreds of others injured.
