Pakistan Kills 133 Taliban in Unprovoked Afghan Operation

ISLAMABAD – In a retaliatory strike in response to unprovoked attacks by the Afghan Taliban regime, Pakistan has launched Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq against insurgent bases along their shared border. The operation has resulted in the deaths of 133 Taliban fighters and injuries to over 200 more.

Multiple Afghan Taliban military headquarters, tanks, artillery units, and check posts were reportedly destroyed by Pakistani forces during their retaliatory strikes. Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed this, stating that more than 80 tanks, artillery pieces, and armored vehicles were destroyed as well. Additionally, 27 border check posts were completely demolished or taken over by Pakistani forces.

Pakistani officials assert that Afghan Taliban forces initiated unprovoked fire at multiple border locations, prompting a large-scale response from their security forces. The strikes have targeted key military installations in Afghanistan, including Nangarhar’s ammunition depot and Kabul’s two brigade headquarters.

Drone attacks attempted but thwarted by Pakistan’s anti-drone defense systems in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. While no casualties were reported during these intercepts, the minister emphasized that the incidents exposed direct links between Afghan Taliban activities and those within Pakistani territory.

Major air strikes have also been carried out, targeting installations such as a large ammunition depot in Nangarhar, Kabul’s two brigade headquarters, a corps headquarters and a brigade headquarters in Kandahar, and an ammunition depot and logistics base in Paktia. In Bajaur, a Taliban military center in Kabul was reportedly hit around 1:50 am.

Security sources report that Pakistani forces captured five Afghan check posts across the border, including those at Shawal, Angoor Adda, and Zarmalan. A terminal at Angoor Adda was also destroyed during this operation.

Border clashes have taken place along several sectors, resulting in more Taliban fighters being killed and additional posts demolished. Civilian areas were targeted by Taliban forces, with mortar shells landing in the Laghrai region of Bajaur, injuring five civilians, including three women who are receiving treatment at Khar Hospital. A mosque was also damaged during the shelling.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that 133 Afghan Taliban fighters were killed and over 200 injured. He added that 27 posts were destroyed and nine taken over by Pakistani forces, with two corps headquarters, three brigade headquarters, two ammunition depots, one logistics base, three battalion headquarters, and two sector headquarters also being eliminated.

The attacks have been met with condemnation from the international community. Russia’s Foreign Ministry called for an immediate ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan, urging both nations to resolve their differences through dialogue. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has offered to facilitate such negotiations to promote reconciliation and cooperation.

Pakistani leadership remains steadfast in its commitment to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, dismissing reports of any posts being captured or personnel taken prisoner. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that Pakistan would remain fully prepared to safeguard its sovereignty and respond firmly against any further aggression. President Asif Ali Zardari reiterated the unified stance of the armed forces.

As tensions escalate along their shared border, both nations must prioritize dialogue and cooperation to address underlying issues peacefully, as suggested by international mediators.