Pakistani security forces have intensified their operations against the Afghan Taliban regime’s hideouts and safe havens inside Afghanistan following unprovoked aggression. Over three days, these strikes have resulted in significant losses for the enemy, with the Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirming that Pakistani security forces killed 352 Taliban operatives during Operation Ghazab Lil Haq.
The minister detailed a comprehensive list of victories: they destroyed 130 Taliban checkposts and seized control of 26 others. Moreover, more than 535 Afghan Taliban fighters were injured in the operation, with Pakistan’s armed forces destroying 171 tanks and vehicles. The attack also saw air strikes hit multiple locations across Afghanistan.
These decisive strikes have pushed Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq to its full objectives; security sources confirmed that only hideouts and military installations of the Afghan Taliban regime are being targeted by Pakistani operations. One particularly significant loss occurred at the Omari Camp, a stronghold for the Taliban.
The Pakistan Army’s forceful response was met with international concern from China, Britain, the United Nations, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, who called for immediate de-escalation to prevent further casualties.
Prime Minister Mosharraf Zaidi’s spokesman had initially denied reports of air strikes in the early hours of Saturday morning. However, he later confirmed that no clashes occurred along the border and stressed the responsibility of the Pakistani Taliban for a checkpoint attack near Afghanistan’s Khost province overnight on Friday night.
Meanwhile, ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric outlined her organization’s preparations to assist affected civilians but emphasized that “no humanitarian response can compensate for political will to respect the rules of war.”
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that their defense forces were conducting targeted operations in self-defense against attacks by groups labeled as Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan, along with Taliban provocations. The statement emphasized Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate terrorism from Afghanistan and urged the Afghan government to tackle militant groups operating within its territory.
Pakistan has announced it reserves the right to take all necessary measures in self-defense under international law. This includes pressing for concrete action against Taliban-orchestrated attacks by terrorist organizations based inside Afghanistan, urging regional stakeholders to facilitate de-escalation efforts, and remaining engaged diplomatically to address terrorism from Afghan soil.