In a major security operation, the Pakistan Army, in coordination with law enforcement agencies, has recovered a significant cache of advanced weaponry from militants operating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The arsenal, previously used by US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, underscores the ongoing threat posed by proscribed terrorist groups and highlights the critical role of Pakistan’s security agencies in countering cross-border militancy.
Security sources confirmed that the operations were conducted across multiple districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, targeting outlawed groups including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (Fitna al-Khawarij). The recovered weapons include M4 and M16 rifles, modern automatic firearms, night vision goggles, high-grade explosives, detonators, and other sophisticated military equipment. Several of the seized items bear clear markings indicating they are the property of the United States government, left behind during the withdrawal of US and NATO forces from Afghanistan.
Officials warned that militants could use these advanced weapons to target Pakistani security personnel, even under the cover of darkness. Some of the ammunition, including steel-headed bullets, is capable of penetrating bulletproof vests, demonstrating the high-risk potential of these arms in terrorist hands.
The weapons cache, displayed to the media, not only reflects the operational capability of Pakistan’s security forces but also sends a clear message regarding the country’s vigilance against evolving terrorist threats. Security sources highlighted that these seizures are part of multiple previous operations in which militants were intercepted while attempting to smuggle sophisticated arms and explosives across the border.
The presence of such high-grade weaponry in militant hands underscores the continuing danger posed by cross-border terrorism and the need for sustained counterterrorism efforts. Authorities emphasized that the recovered arms could have been used for large-scale attacks against law enforcement agencies and civilian targets, further threatening regional stability and public safety.
Pakistan’s security forces continue to maintain relentless pressure on terrorist networks operating within the country, ensuring that militant groups are denied the ability to regroup, rearm, or use Afghan territory as a safe haven. These operations are part of a broader, coordinated effort to eliminate threats from proscribed organisations, secure advanced weapon stockpiles, and strengthen national security across all provinces.
The recovery of US and NATO arms from militant groups is a stark reminder of the enduring challenges posed by regional instability and highlights Pakistan’s proactive role in counterterrorism operations. Security officials have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the country, preventing the misuse of advanced weaponry, and ensuring that militant networks cannot exploit cross-border vulnerabilities.
