Pakistan’s armed forces have destroyed 73 Afghan Taliban military posts and captured 18 others during Operation Ghazab lil-Haq. The large-scale cross-border operation targeted multiple locations inside Afghanistan. Officials said 274 Taliban fighters were killed. More than 400 were wounded during the fighting.
The military described the operation as a direct response to unprovoked aggression along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Heavy clashes were reported across several sectors. The situation remains tense and fluid.
Twelve Pakistani soldiers were martyred in the operation. One soldier was injured. Authorities said the sacrifices would not weaken national resolve.
Cross-Border Strikes Target Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia
Pakistan carried out counter-attacks at various locations inside Afghanistan. Military installations were targeted in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed airstrikes in these areas on social media.
Security sources said five Afghan posts were captured in Paktia. The Pakistani flag was raised at the seized positions. Two posts opposite Shawal were taken. Two more opposite Angoor Ada were captured. One post opposite Zarmelan was also seized. The Afghan terminal at Angoor Ada was destroyed.
The military stated that 27 Afghan Taliban posts were destroyed, including Charlie Post and Babri Post. Nine additional posts were captured during the fighting. Pakistan state television reported that Taliban fighters raised white flags at several positions after the retaliation.
Two corps headquarters were destroyed. Three brigade headquarters were hit. Three battalion headquarters were targeted. Two sector headquarters were also destroyed. Officials said two ammunition depots and one logistics base were eliminated.
More than 80 tanks, artillery guns and armoured personnel carriers were destroyed. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the counter-attacks caused heavy losses. He described the operation as prompt and effective.
Border Sectors Hit as Drone Attacks Foiled
Security sources said Afghan Taliban fighters attempted to attack Pakistani check posts using quadcopters. The drones were shot down before reaching their targets. Afghan forces also opened fire at multiple points along the border.
Clashes were reported in Nawagai sector in Bajaur, Tirah in Khyber, Mohmand district and Arandu sector in Chitral. Pakistani forces responded by targeting and destroying Afghan checkpoints.
Residents in Kabul reported hearing loud explosions. Journalists from AFP said blasts were followed by fighter jets and sustained gunfire. Explosions echoed across parts of the city for nearly 40 minutes.
Mortar shells fired by Afghan Taliban forces landed in Bajaur’s Laghrai area. Five civilians were injured, including three women. They were shifted to hospital for treatment. Security officials also said a mosque in Bajaur was hit. Its roof and structure were damaged.
Pakistan Leadership Vows Strong Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the armed forces are fully prepared to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty. He stated there would be no compromise on territorial integrity. He added that aggressive intentions would be crushed.
President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan would not compromise on peace and stability. He warned that those responsible for bloodshed would not escape accountability.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called the Taliban attack a serious mistake. He said consequences would follow.
Officials confirmed that security forces remain on high alert along the western border. Operations are continuing. The situation is evolving rapidly. Authorities say Pakistan remains committed to defending its people and territory at all costs.
