Pakistan’s armed forces have conducted a series of successful airstrikes in Afghanistan as part of ongoing Operation Ghazab lil Haq. These operations targeted terrorist infrastructure and support networks linked to Afghan Taliban members and their affiliates. In Kabul, key Taliban 313 Corps headquarters along with its associated facilities were destroyed, while Tarawo and Sher-e-Nau training camps were also hit, along with an ammunition depot and oil storage facility in Kandahar.
Electronic warfare played a crucial role in these missions, as Pakistani forces shot down three drones of Fitna al-Khawarij – the Taliban-affiliated extremist group using this term. The use of drone strikes against such groups is not new; however, their effectiveness continues to be demonstrated by Operation Ghazab lil Haq.
The ongoing conflict has seen a resurgence in terrorist activities since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Kabul last year. Pakistan has been vocal about its demand for the government in Afghanistan to dismantle any sanctuaries linked to terror groups like the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Despite repeated calls, Islamabad has not witnessed substantial compliance from their neighbors.
The recent airstrikes have intensified tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. A tragic incident last Friday saw a suicide attack on a security forces post near the Afghan border in Bajaur district, resulting in significant casualties among local residents and military personnel. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the assault while TTP denied involvement but has previously been accused of similar attacks.
In response, Pakistani officials have stated that they will not hesitate to conduct retaliatory strikes inside Afghanistan if their borders are continuously violated by cross-border terrorism. On Feb 21, two more fatalities occurred when a suicide attack was carried out in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district during an intelligence-based operation.
The escalation of violence has brought renewed scrutiny on the use and legitimacy of cross-border strikes within Afghan territories. Despite their effectiveness, Pakistan must navigate diplomatic sensitivities while balancing national security concerns with regional stability.
While official reports confirm that 527 Taliban operatives have been killed and over 750 injured during Operation Ghazab lil Haq thus far, tensions remain high as both nations grapple with the repercussions of these renewed armed confrontations.