Bajaur— Pakistan’s security forces have eliminated two more Afghan nationals during ongoing targeted operations in Bajaur district, as debates intensify over the necessity of the offensive, according to Mahaz, an independent X-based platform focused on Pak-Afghan affairs.

The two militants, identified as Zarqawi Mansoor, a resident of Nangarhar province, and Rohani, from Logar province in Afghanistan, were killed in area-wise operations aimed at clearing militant strongholds.

Earlier, Ahmadi Gul, a Logar resident affiliated with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), was killed in a quadcopter strike in Bajaur. Security officials revealed that of the militants neutralised in the past week, six were Afghan nationals, with their profiles completed and awaiting disclosure. Officials added that at least three more Afghan militants were killed alongside Pakistani Taliban fighters during recent security operations.

A Transit Route Under Pressure

According to a civil administration official who spoke to Dawn, the operation is essential to contain militants in Bajaur, which serves as a “transit route” connecting nine districts of Malakand division and Katlang in Mardan.

“Had the militants not been contained in the upper reaches of Bajaur, they would have overrun parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” the official said.

On July 29, 2025, the military operation, named Operation Sarbakaf, was launched after two weeks of negotiations between tribal elders and militant representatives through successive jirgas failed. When militants refused to vacate the area, residents agreed to leave their homes to allow for security clearance operations temporarily.

Officials described the campaign as the first-ever area-wise targeted operation, designed in consultation with the local population to minimise damage to homes and livelihoods.

Displacement and Returns

The offensive prompted the displacement of nearly 21,000 families, of which 8,200 were housed in government facilities, while 12,800 stayed with host communities.

Officials confirmed that 3,000 families have already returned as security forces cleared 11 of the 36 affected areas. In Tarkho, six villages returned within five days of their displacement on August 21. By September 8, residents from six additional areas were also allowed to return.

Local notables acknowledged the state’s responsibility to safeguard life and property, formally empowering security forces to enforce the writ of the state. Authorities also pledged compensation for any damage incurred during the operation.

Escalating Threats Across KP

Security officials based in Peshawar disclosed that more than 8,000 militants are currently present in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including 800 fighters concentrated in Bajaur and Khyber tribal districts alone. Most are said to have infiltrated from Afghanistan through porous, unregulated crossings, later blending into local communities to stage attacks.

Militant activity spans several districts, including Peshawar, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Swat, Shangla, and the merged tribal areas.

Also See: Pakistan Confronts Infiltration of Over 8000 Terrorists from Afghanistan

On September 6, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that 14 militants were killed while attempting to infiltrate Pakistan from Afghanistan in the Mohmand border district. 

In addition, authorities have confirmed that three of the five suicide bombers involved in the Frontier Corps Lines attack in Bannu were Afghan nationals. They were identified as:

• Najibullah alias Huzifa Muhajir, a resident of Musakhel district in Khost province;
• Mullah Shabir Ahmad alias Mawlvi Bilal Muhajir, son of Mawlvi Ismatullah, a resident of Abdul Muhiyuddin village in Saeedabad district, Wardak province;
• Abdul Aziz alias Qassid Muhajir, a resident of Mata Khan district in Paktika province.

Also See: Afghan Nationals Identified as Suicide Bombers in Bannu FC Lines Attack

Political Opposition

The operation has faced political criticism, with jailed the leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan, urging his party members to resist what he described as a heavy-handed approach. However, security officials insist the operation is crucial to prevent militants from destabilising KP and spreading violence into other districts.

A civil administration official stressed, “Failure to act would have serious security implications for at least 10 districts. Bajaur’s position as a transit corridor makes it vital to deny militants a safe haven.”

Outlook

Despite opposition, officials emphasise that the operation has so far achieved key objectives with limited damage to civilian property. Displaced families continue to return as areas are secured, while security forces maintain that the campaign is a necessary step in curbing cross-border militancy and restoring stability to the tribal belt.