Pakistani authorities have launched a military response operation dubbed ‘Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq’ after unprovoked firing by the Afghan Taliban on the Pak-Afghan border.
According to security sources, clashes took place at several places along the border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistani security forces retaliated in what officials described as a “strong and effective” response. Sources have claimed that dozens of Afghan Taliban fighters were killed and several checkpoints were destroyed in the exchange of fire.
The operation reportedly targeted hideouts in Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Kurram, Chitral and South Waziristan sectors. Security officials said several Afghan posts were destroyed during the heavy exchange of fire while some positions were taken control of.
Pakistan Air Force jets were also reportedly involved in strikes against alleged militant hideouts from across the border, including in Nangarhar province. Security sources claimed that ammunition depots and command centres were targeted during the airstrikes. However, the extent of damage could not be independently verified by Afghan officials.
According to officials, Afghan Taliban fighters tried to use quadcopters to attack Pakistani check posts, but the drone was shot down before it could cause any damage. The Pakistani military said no Pakistani posts were lost during the clashes.
The Ministry of Information said in a statement that Afghan Taliban forces opened fire on several border posts, which drew a swift and merciless response from Pakistan. Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that Pakistan will continue to respond befittingly to any aggression.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s spokesman Musharraf Zaidi said that no Pakistani post was captured or damaged during the fighting. He added that Pakistan suffered heavy losses in response to the aggression.
Officials also said that two Pakistani soldiers were martyred and three were injured during the clashes. They paid tribute to the martyred personnel and reiterated the country’s resolve to defend the territorial integrity of the country.
On the other hand, Afghan Taliban sources have allegedly shared counter-claims on social media, but Pakistani officials have dismissed them as misinformation.
Tensions along the Pak-Afghan border have been sensitive in recent years, with both sides accusing each other of violations. The latest escalation highlights the fragile security situation in the region.
Pakistan’s government reiterated that it seeks peaceful relations with neighbouring countries but will take all necessary steps to protect its borders and citizens.
