ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's army chief General Syed Asim Munir said on Friday that the country was determined to "take the battle to the terrorists", as he met troops deployed at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border amid increasing militant attacks across the country.
The Pakistani Taliban or the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have stepped up attacks in the country over the past couple of days. Last Sunday, Pakistani Taliban detainees overpowered guards at a counterterrorism facility in the northwestern town of Bannu. The militants seized police weapons and took hostages before Pakistan army commandos stormed the compound and recaptured the facility.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have also escalated over the past couple of weeks, as clashes along the border between the two countries' forces have caused civilian casualties and left several injured.
Both sides blame each other for triggering border clashes. Pakistan has called on Afghanistan to take action against the TTP, warning that it reserves the right to do so if attacks continue.
Pakistan's army chief General Syed Asim Munir, left, meets soldiers during his visit to the Tarbela and Miranshah cities of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on December 23, 2022. (Photo courtesy: ISPR)
On Friday, Munir paid a visit to the Tarbela and Miranshah cities in the country's northwest to pay homage to soldiers who had laid down their lives in service. According to the military's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief was briefed on the latest security situation.
"COAS [chief of army staff] said that Pak Army remains focused on evolving security situation and determined to take the battle to the terrorists and break nexus with their facilitators so as to ensure lasting peace through socioeconomic development," the ISPR said.
The army chief said Pakistan would consolidate "hard-earned peace" made possible by the sacrifices of Pakistan Army soldiers and the nation. In Tarbela, Munir met the officers and men of the Special Services Group (SSG) who participated in the recent Bannu operation.
"COAS praised their indomitable spirit, sacrifices and commitment to the duty in various operations," he said, adding that the SSG had proven its mettle over time.
