Web Desk: Security forces thwarted coordinated attacks by Taliban from Afghanistan’s Paktika province, including members of the Afghan Taliban, al-Qaeda and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Afghan Taliban misjudged the situation by launching cross-border fire, which was met with what they termed a “decisive and proportionate response.”
Early assessments cited by security sources indicated significant casualties on the Afghan side. Officials also reported the destruction of several posts and equipment during the retaliatory action. However, independent confirmation of the claims was not immediately available.
Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities reiterated their resolve to safeguard national sovereignty. Officials said the country would adopt “all necessary measures” to ensure the protection of its territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens.
In retaliation, Pakistan’s military initiated an operation named “Ghazab-ul-Haq,” targeting positions across the border that officials said were used to facilitate the attack.
Security sources stated that multiple Afghan border posts were hit during the response. They said the Barikot base was destroyed, while the Sar Kanu post sustained partial damage. The Dawood and Almas posts were also reported destroyed, and the Bagdar post was vacated by personnel.
Officials added that several attacking fighters withdrew from forward positions after the Pakistani response intensified. While cross-border firing subsided in some areas, the operation remained ongoing at the time of reporting.
Separately, security officials said Afghan forces initiated firing at various points along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Pakistani troops responded in sectors including Nawagai in Bajaur, Tirah in Khyber district, Mohmand district and Arandu in Chitral.
In Bajaur, officials reported that two Afghan check posts were destroyed during retaliatory strikes. Meanwhile, in the Chitral sector, Pakistani forces targeted and destroyed what sources described as an Afghan Taliban check post.
Pakistani security sources described the cross-border actions as unprovoked aggression and said forces responded “with full force.” They maintained that troops remain on high alert to defend the country’s territorial integrity and to counter any further hostile activity.
