Militant Attack Reported in Upper Dir; Clearance Operation Underway

Upper Dir – A major security incident was reported late Friday on a paramilitary checkpost along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Upper Dir district, triggering heavy fighting and a clearance operation.

The incident occurred in Barawal tehsil, where the Khara checkpost in the Gulibagh forest came under attack by a large group of armed men. Sources said the assault was a “physical raid,” involving intense gunfire that lasted several hours.

According to the sources, the attackers are believed to have crossed from Afghanistan’s Kunar and Nuristan provinces, with logistical support reportedly linked to Bajaur. Personnel of Shah Kot 12 Rifles engaged the militants, while members of a local Aman Lashkar also joined in the defense. However, contact has since been lost with some Lashkar fighters, raising concerns that they may have been captured during the clash.

A clearance operation was launched soon after the attack and was continuing on Saturday, though the situation on the ground remained unclear. Reports of casualties circulated widely, but officials have yet to confirm the exact figures.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, speaking to reporters in Islamabad, said Pakistan had recently pressed Afghan Taliban leaders in Kabul to curb the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), prevent its use of Afghan soil, and hand over its members. He also said that Beijing also raised its own security concerns over the presence of the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM).

On August 20, Pakistan, Afghanistan and China held a trilateral meeting in Kabul. No joint statement followed, with reports suggesting differences over issues including the TTP, ETIM and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).

The latest incident highlights persistent tensions along Pakistan’s northwestern border, where cross-border militant activity has surged in recent months despite Islamabad’s repeated calls for greater cooperation from Kabul to rein in the armed groups.