Pakistan has killed at least 274 Taliban regime personnel and affiliated terrorists in a large-scale retaliatory operation, according to the military’s chief spokesperson. The announcement came during a detailed press briefing in Islamabad. Officials said the action followed unprovoked aggression along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border.
Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations, Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, shared operational details with the media. He said Pakistan targeted terrorist hideouts inside Afghanistan on the night of February 21 and 22. The strikes were described as precise and military-focused.
Twelve Pakistani soldiers were martyred during the clashes. Twenty-seven others were wounded. The military paid tribute to their sacrifice and reaffirmed its resolve to defend national sovereignty.
74 Taliban Posts Destroyed, 18 Captured in Major Operation
Lt Gen Chaudhry said firing occurred in 15 sectors along the border. A total of 53 locations were targeted by Afghan Taliban fighters. All attacks were effectively repulsed, he stated.
Pakistan responded with full force. Retaliatory action followed unprovoked firing in multiple districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These included Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram and Bajaur. The clashes intensified on Thursday night.
The military confirmed that more than 74 Taliban posts were destroyed. Eighteen checkposts were captured and taken into Pakistan’s custody. Pakistani forces also destroyed 115 enemy tanks and armoured vehicles during the operation.
The Pakistan Air Force carried out strikes in Kandahar, Kabul and Paktia. An infantry brigade headquarters in Kabul was targeted. A brigade headquarters in Kandahar was also destroyed.
Military installations in Nangarhar, Laghman and Paktika were hit. The ISPR chief said the “fireworks” seen in Kabul’s sky were a result of precision strikes. He emphasized that only military objectives were targeted.
Pakistan also destroyed 22 hideouts of Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij. Militants reportedly fled the area, leaving behind bodies of their associates.
Leadership Vows No Compromise on National Security
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that the operation continue until its objectives are achieved. The military spokesperson said the campaign, named Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, remains ongoing.
Drone attacks in Abbottabad and Nowshera were foiled during the clashes. Small drones launched by militants were neutralized before causing damage.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described the situation as an “open war.” He warned that no compromise would be made on national security. He said Pakistan’s patience had run out.
The ISPR chief accused the Afghan Taliban regime of patronizing terrorists. He warned that any future terror attack in Pakistan would trigger action against both perpetrators and facilitators. He said Afghanistan must choose between terror outfits and Pakistan.
Lt Gen Chaudhry added that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared on both eastern and western borders. He stressed that national interests will be safeguarded at all costs.
The military also highlighted national unity. Political parties have shown consensus in support of counterterrorism efforts. The ISPR chief praised the sacrifices of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police.
As tensions escalated, friendly countries urged restraint and dialogue. Later, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid expressed a desire for talks. He said Kabul prefers a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
Despite calls for de-escalation, Pakistan has made clear that security comes first. Operation Ghazab lil-Haq will continue until complete objectives are met.
