72 Taliban activists killed in Op ‘Ghazab Lil Haq’; Several Afghan posts, weapons depot destroyed
A video footage from Express News shows the aftermath of an airstrike on an Afghan weapons depot in Nangarhar province.
ISLAMABAD:
At least 72 operatives of the Afghan Taliban regime were killed while several others were injured as Pakistan launched ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq’, delivering a “robust and effective response” to unprovoked firing from across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Thursday evening.
As border clashes continued in several districts of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) struck and destroyed a large ammunition depot in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar. “Further strikes are on the way,” a security source said.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said two Pakistani soldiers also embraced martyrdom in the clashes, while three others were injured. According to state-run Pakistan Television, Afghan Taliban forces opened unprovoked fire at various locations, triggering a full force counter-operation.
“Pakistan’s security forces are giving a befitting response to the unprovoked Afghan aggression,” a Pakistan TV Digital report said on its website. Citing its sources, the report added that Taliban hideouts were destroyed during the counterattack, forcing Khawarij elements to flee.
“Forces precisely targeted and destroyed an Afghan Taliban checkpoint in Chitral sector, while additional operations were conducted in Nawagai sector of Bajaur, Tirah in Khyber district, Mohmand district and Arandu sector,” Pakistan TV Digital said.
“Visual material circulated by Afghan security-related accounts showed armored vehicles moving through rugged, mountainous terrain at night, with flashes of gunfire visible,” it said, adding that it could not independently verify the location, timing or authenticity of the footage.
Sources told The Express Pakinomist that the security forces successfully repelled cross-border attacks by destroying several enemy positions and inflicting heavy casualties on Afghan forces and terrorists affiliated to the Afghan Taliban and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
According to officials, the response was carried out in several sectors, including Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram and Bajaur districts. Initial reports suggested that around 72 Afghan Taliban were killed, although authorities said there was still no official confirmation of the number of casualties.
According to security sources, Pakistani forces launched strong retaliatory operations in Gursal sector of Mohmand district, where several Afghan Taliban check posts were destroyed. The operation also targeted terrorist positions in the sector.
In the Bajaur sector, artillery fire was used to hit the enemy defense lines, resulting in the destruction of several positions. Security officials said the enemy sector headquarters was also demolished during the counter operation.
Forces also destroyed enemy checkposts in Tirah valley of Khyber district and in Chitral district with precision strikes. Sources said that Afghan forces tried to attack Pakistani border posts using quadcopters, but all enemy drones were intercepted and shot down.
The operation involved the use of small arms, heavy weapons and drone countermeasures to neutralize threats from Afghan positions. Preliminary intelligence indicated heavy losses of personnel and military equipment on the Afghan side.
The Ministry of Information stated that Pakistan will take all possible measures to protect its territorial integrity, sovereignty and citizens. Officials said border conditions are being closely monitored and reiterated that Pakistan will use its defense capabilities if required.
“We will never allow the Afghan Taliban regime to hide behind lies,” Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said in a post on X. “After the Taliban’s defeat and exposure in the field of action, the Afghan Taliban regime is resorting to lies and propaganda.”
(With INPUTS FROM NEWS DESK)
