Pakistan in the early hours of Sunday revealed that it carried out a series of strikes along the Afghanistan border as a response to suicide attacks in the Islamic Republic. According to Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, the military carried out an "intelligence-based selective operation" against seven camps belonging to Tehrik-e-Taliban (TTP) and affiliated groups. An affiliate of Kabul was also targeted in the operation.
Even as Islamabad did not confirm the exact locations of the targeted areas, latest reports suggest that the strikes may have hit several places. Media houses in Islamabad claimed the targeted areas include camps of Fitna al Khawarij and Daesh Khorasan Province. The Afghan government has not yet issued any official response in the matter.
A Retaliatory Action
The media houses of Islamabad claimed the targeted areas include camps of Fitna al Khawarij and Daesh Khorasan Province. Pakistan's Air Force targeted a religious seminary in Bermal, Paktika Province, and carried out multiple airstrikes in the Khogyani district of Nangarhar Province, Tolo News reported. Areas such as the Argun, Bahsod, and Ghani Khel districts were also targeted by Islamabad.
Latest reports revealed that the strikes were conducted with "precision and accuracy" in response to deadly suicide bombings in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu during the holy month of Ramadan.
The recent strikes come as an escalation following Kabul's attacks on parts of Pakistan. A suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a security post in the Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The strike killed at least 11 soldiers and a minor. Following this, the Pakistani media claimed that the attacker was an Afghan national. A few hours later, a suicide bomber targeted a security convoy in the Bannu district, which took the lives of two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel.
Tarar's Stance
Following the Saturday strikes, the Islamabad military said it would not "exercise any restraint" and would continue retaliatory attacks against the culprits. Tarar defended the military action, saying Pakistan “has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region,” while stressing that protecting Pakistani citizens remained a top priority.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that Pakistani forces have once again intruded into Afghan territory. Officials are assessing the damage caused by these attacks. While there was no immediate response from the Afghan Taliban, sources say Afghanistan is considering retaliatory action.
Escalating Tensions in Afghanistan
Pakistan claimed that Afghan militant groups have carried out a series of attacks inside the Islamic Republic. Pakistani Information Minister Tarar added that there is "conclusive evidence" that recent attacks, including a deadly mosque bombing, were conducted by Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.
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In the past, Islamabad had urged the Afghan regime to stop militant groups from using its territory. Officials also urged the international community to pressure Afghanistan to uphold commitments under the Doha Agreement.
While Islamabad blames Kabul's TTP and allied groups for these attacks, Afghanistan has repeatedly denied it.