The Pakistan Air Force has carried out intelligence-based airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan’s border regions following recent suicide attacks inside the country.
The strikes targeted camps linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
According to an official statement, the operations were conducted in Afghanistan’s provinces of Paktika and Nangarhar, along with other border areas. These locations were reportedly being used by Fitna al-Khawarij (FAK) and Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISKP).
Authorities stated that seven terrorist camps and hideouts were targeted with precision. A terrorist commander identified as Akhtar was also reportedly eliminated during one of the strikes. However, Afghan media outlets have not confirmed the number of casualties.
Pakistan's position
In a statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said that following recent suicide attacks in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu, including an attack on an Imambargah during Ramazan — Pakistan possesses “conclusive evidence” that these acts of terrorism were orchestrated at the behest of Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.
Also Read: Two soldiers martyred, 5 terrorists killed in Bannu attack
The statement added that responsibility for the attacks was claimed by Afghanistan-based Pakistani Taliban, referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij, along with their affiliated groups.
Pakistan alleged that the Afghan Taliban government had repeatedly been urged to prevent its territory from being used for terrorist activities against Pakistan, but “no verifiable or concrete action” was taken.
Areas targeted in strikes
According to Afghan media reports, loud explosions were heard in the Bermal and Argoon districts of Paktika, as well as in the Khogyani, Ghani Khel, and Behsud areas of Nangarhar.
Reports indicate that a militant hideout was destroyed in Bermal through an airstrike, while a suspected training center in the Koz Bhar area of Khogyani was also targeted.
Some Afghan sources claimed that a camp belonging to a faction named “Majlis-e-Askari Karwan” was destroyed, though this claim could not be independently verified.
Bajaur and Bannu attacks
The development comes after an attack on a security forces’ checkpost in Bajaur that resulted in the martyrdom of 11 soldiers. According to Pakistan military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 12 terrorists were killed in the subsequent response.
Also Read: 11 soldiers martyred, 12 terrorists killed in Bajaur attack
Pakistan’s message
The government stated that while Pakistan seeks peace and stability in the region, the safety and security of its citizens and security personnel remain its top priority.
Pakistan urged the interim Afghan government to fulfill its commitments under the Doha Agreement and prevent its territory from being used against any country. It also called on the international community to play a constructive role by pressing the Afghan Taliban to honor their commitments.
Officials emphasized that Pakistan reserves the right to respond and eliminate Khawarij elements wherever they may be located to ensure the protection of its soldiers, civilians, and territorial integrity.
Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has experienced a rise in cross-border terrorist incidents, particularly affecting the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
So far, no official response has been issued by Afghan authorities regarding the latest airstrikes.
