The Afghan government announced on Sunday, September 27, 2026, that its forces had killed 28 militants and captured 32 others, including suspected ISIS members, who were believed to have infiltrated from neighboring Pakistan. According to the Taliban-led Ministry of Defense, the militants were killed or captured in the Kamdish area of Nuristan province in northeastern Afghanistan on Saturday. The ministry claimed that several ISIS groups had been sent from Pakistan with the support of Pakistani authorities to carry out subversive acts and destabilize the region.
The recent developments have heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with clashes along the border and Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory exacerbating long-standing differences over militant activities along the border. The Afghan-Pakistani relationship has been strained in recent years, with both countries accusing each other of harboring militant groups. The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 has further complicated the situation, with Pakistan seeking to secure its border and prevent militant groups from operating in the region.
Pakistan's military announced earlier on Sunday that its forces had killed over 71 militants in multiple operations in the southwestern province of Balochistan over the past 96 hours. The operations targeted hideouts of groups known as "Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan" (TTP) and "Baloch Liberation Army," which are considered terrorist organizations by Pakistan. The military did not provide further details on the operations or the identities of the militants killed.
The TTP, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, is a militant group that has been operating in Afghanistan and Pakistan, carrying out attacks on civilians and security forces. The group has been linked to Al-Qaeda and has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks in Pakistan. The Baloch Liberation Army, on the other hand, is a separatist group that has been fighting for greater autonomy or independence for the Baloch region in southwestern Pakistan.
The Afghan government has long accused Pakistan of providing safe haven to militant groups, including the TTP and ISIS, which have carried out attacks on Afghan soil. Pakistan has denied these allegations, claiming that it is also a victim of terrorism and is taking steps to eliminate militant groups within its borders. However, experts say that Pakistan's efforts to crack down on militant groups have been inconsistent, and the country continues to host a number of extremist organizations.
The recent clashes and airstrikes along the Afghan-Pakistani border have raised concerns about the potential for a wider conflict between the two countries. The situation is further complicated by the presence of various militant groups in the region, including ISIS, which has been trying to expand its presence in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The international community has called for restraint and dialogue between the two countries to prevent further escalation.
The violence along the border has also had humanitarian implications, with thousands of civilians displaced or affected by the clashes. The Afghan government has called for international support to help address the humanitarian crisis, while also urging Pakistan to take concrete steps to eliminate militant groups operating within its borders. The situation remains volatile, with both countries seeking to secure their borders and protect their interests.
Key points
- Afghan forces kill 28 militants, capture 32, allegedly linked to ISIS, who infiltrated from Pakistan.
- Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have heightened due to clashes along the border and Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory.
- Pakistan's military has killed over 71 militants in multiple operations in the southwestern province of Balochistan.
