Pakistan has launched retaliatory airstrikes on Taliban-linked targets inside Afghanistan, claiming that 133 members of the Afghan Taliban were killed and more than 200 injured in the operation, Pakistani officials said on Friday.
The strikes were conducted under the banner of “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq” in response to what authorities described as unprovoked cross-border firing by Afghan Taliban forces at multiple locations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said the airstrikes targeted defensive positions linked to the Afghan Taliban in Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar. Speaking to local media, he added that further casualties were possible as operations continued.
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Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif described the action as a decisive response to aggression, warning that Pakistan would not tolerate threats to its sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Officials stated that the objective of the operation was to neutralise hostile elements and deter further escalation along the border.
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Afghan Posts Destroyed
According to the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Pakistan’s armed forces destroyed several key Afghan posts along the Pak-Afghan border.
Security officials claimed that Afghan Taliban forces hoisted white flags at multiple posts following what they described as a decisive response by Pakistani forces. Artillery and quadcopter drones were reportedly used during the operation.
Radio Pakistan reported that Pakistani security forces destroyed several military installations in Afghanistan and took control of multiple Afghan Taliban posts during “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq.” The report stated that Pakistani troops hoisted the national flag at several captured posts.
Gursal, Chitral Sector
Security forces reportedly destroyed Afghan Taliban check posts in the Gursal sector and targeted a Taliban base in the Barikot area near the Chitral sector. Alleged sanctuaries near the Kurram sector were also reported destroyed.
Nangarhar
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, reportedly destroying a large ammunition depot as part of the operation.
Kharlachi Terminal
At the Kharlachi Terminal along the Pak-Afghan border, Pakistani forces reportedly destroyed several Afghan Taliban posts.
Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia
Radio Pakistan further reported that frontline Afghan Taliban posts were targeted and key military installations destroyed in airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia.
Kabul Brigade Headquarters
Security sources stated that two brigade headquarters in Kabul were destroyed in the latest PAF airstrikes.
Kandahar
In Kandahar, airstrikes reportedly destroyed an ammunition depot, a logistics base, one corps headquarters, and a brigade headquarters, according to the state broadcaster.
Angoor Adda
Security sources claimed that another Afghan post was destroyed in the Angoor Adda area along the border.
Paktika
According to Radio Pakistan, security forces seized a post in Afghanistan’s Paktika province near the Shawal sector of South Waziristan. In the Wali Khan sector along the Pakistan-Afghan border, another Afghan post was reportedly destroyed.
Pakistani Flag Hoisted
The report added that Pakistani forces seized five Afghan posts in the Paktia region opposite South Waziristan and hoisted the national flag at those locations.
Karachi, Punjab on High Alert as Pakistan Launches Retaliatory Strikes Against Afghan Taliban
Security has been placed on high alert across Punjab and Karachi after Pakistan launched ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq’ in response to what officials described as unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban forces at multiple locations along the border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Inspector General Punjab, Rao Abdul Kareem, directed strict security measures across the province in view of the tense border situation, particularly during Friday prayers. Punjab Police has been placed on high alert, with enhanced monitoring along internal borders. Officers have been instructed to maintain close surveillance of suspected militants, miscreants, and suspicious individuals.
Security has been tightened at mosques, police check posts, embassies, and other sensitive installations. Authorities have also been ordered to continue search and combing operations to monitor potential threats.
In Karachi, DIG East Farukh directed officers and personnel to remain on high alert. Security has been increased at key locations, with snap-checking and blockades established on major roads to monitor suspicious activity. Officials stated that law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to respond to any internal unrest.
Military Leadership Reaffirms Commitment
On the seventh anniversary of Operation Swift Retort, Chief of the Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, along with naval and air chiefs, reaffirmed their commitment to Pakistan’s national security.
Launched on 27 February 2019, Operation Swift Retort was described by military officials as a response to Indian actions, demonstrating the operational readiness of Pakistan’s armed forces.
President Zardari Warns Against Aggression
Asif Ali Zardari stated that Pakistan would not compromise on its territorial integrity under any circumstances. He warned that continued violence would invite decisive action and emphasized that the armed forces remain fully prepared to defend the country.
Interior Minister Issues Warning
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned what he termed attacks targeting civilian areas, warning of serious consequences. He stated that attempts to destabilize Pakistan would be met with firm and decisive action.
PM Reaffirms Military Preparedness
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s armed forces remain fully capable of neutralizing internal and external threats. He emphasized that the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would not be compromised.
Retaliatory Operations Along the Border
According to official statements, Pakistani security forces launched retaliatory action in several border sectors, including Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, and Bajaur. Officials claimed that multiple Taliban positions and posts were destroyed during the operations.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that dozens of Afghan Taliban members were killed and injured during the retaliatory strikes, and that several posts, headquarters, and military installations were destroyed.
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Security officials further claimed that the Pakistan Air Force carried out targeted airstrikes on Taliban military installations in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. According to official accounts, multiple headquarters and ammunition depots were destroyed.
Pakistani authorities also reported thwarting an infiltration attempt near the Bajaur sector, where a suspected militant was apprehended alive.
Clashes Reported in Kabul
At 04:04 AM, Afghan media reported clashes and gunfire inside the Taliban Ministry of Defence in Kabul following Pakistani airstrikes. Media reports indicate that tensions escalated within the ministry building, with ongoing firing and confrontations reported.
