Islamabad, Terrorist organizations are deploying US-manufactured arms, smuggled from Afghanistan, to execute terror attacks across Pakistan, raising concerns over the illicit flow of advanced weaponry into the hands of militants.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, credible evidence has come to light indicating that these groups, including the Balochistan Liberation Army, have used US-made weapons in various assaults. Notably, during an attack on the Naval Base in Turbat, terrorists were found with a US-made M32 multi-shot grenade launcher and night thermal vision equipment. Similarly, a foiled attack at the Gwadar Port Authority Complex this month led to the recovery of an M-16/A4 grenade launcher and hand grenades of US origin.

Further incidents underscore the gravity of the situation, with US-manufactured military hardware like the M-4 Carbine being seized during an Intelligence Based Operation in North Waziristan on January 29 of this year. Attacks on two Army check posts in Chitral and the Zhob Garrison, as well as the Mianwali air base, involved advanced US weapons. Additionally, night vision goggles and American rifles were utilized in an attack in Daraban, Dera Ismail Khan.

The recovery of US-made weapons from terrorists in several intelligence-based operations across districts such as Zhob, Miran Shah, Bajaur, Mir Ali, and Tank further illustrates the extent of the issue. The consistent use of Afghan soil for launching attacks against Pakistan with these smuggled weapons has been recognized as a significant security challenge.