PNN: Pakistani forces have targeted key military installations of the Afghan Taliban regime in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia through effective airstrikes, security sources confirmed early Friday. At the same time, the international community has called for restraint and dialogue.
Pakistan has taken control of five Afghan posts in the Paktia region of Afghanistan, opposite South Waziristan, and raised the Pakistani flag, security sources state. Two of the captured posts are located in Shawal, two in Angoor Adda, and one in Zarmelan.
The Pakistan Army also destroyed the Afghan terminal at Angoor Add. Additionally, security sources state that the Afghan Charlie post and Afghan Babri post have been destroyed.
The Pakistan Air Force launched airstrikes under ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq’, targeting militant infrastructure inside Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, security sources said. During the latest operations, two brigade headquarters in Kabul were destroyed, according to security sources. In addition, the Pakistan Army has destroyed the Afghan Taliban’s core headquarters in Kandahar.
In Kandahar, airstrikes destroyed a corps headquarters and a brigade headquarters, along with an ammunition depot and a logistics base. In Paktia, a Taliban corps headquarters was also destroyed during the air operations.
Moreover, Pakistani jets are conducting aerial patrols over Kandahar following recent airstrikes, security sources stated.
At the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in the Wali Khan sector, the Pakistan Army has destroyed another Afghan post, security sources said, and at many Afghan outposts, Afghan Taliban have raised white flags in surrender.
“After carrying out precise airstrikes, our aircraft are now patrolling Kandahar’s airspace,” the sources added, emphasising that Pakistani forces remain fully prepared to respond decisively to any aggression.
Sources further said security forces are carrying out strong and effective operations against Taliban forces along the Torkham border.
The Pakistan Army has targeted multiple Taliban check posts near the Torkham border with precision, significantly weakening their positions, sources said.
The forces successfully captured a Taliban post near the Shawal sector in South Waziristan, close to Afghanistan’s Paktika province, they added.
“Pakistani forces have authorised retaliatory strikes and conducted multiple iterations in response to Afghan aggression,” Prime Minister’s Spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi said in a statement on X.
According to the spokesperson, “A total of 133 Afghan Taliban are confirmed killed, more than 200 wounded. Many more casualties estimated in strikes in Kabul, Paktia and Kandahar military targets.”
“Twenty-seven Taliban posts have been destroyed, and nine more have been captured by our security forces,” Zaidi said, highlighting the scale of the military response.
He added that the operations targeted major Taliban infrastructure, stating, “Two corps headquarters, three brigade headquarters, two ammunition depots, one logistics base, three battalion headquarters, two sector headquarters, and more than 80 tanks, artillery guns, and armored personnel carriers have been destroyed.”
Security forces responded decisively to unprovoked aggression by the Afghan Taliban along the Pakistan-Afghan border. The forces targeted Taliban positions across multiple sectors, destroying enemy outposts and thwarting quadcopter attacks on Pakistani check posts.
Meanwhile, two Pakistani soldiers have attained martyrdom while defending the nation, and three others were injured, security sources said.
Troops destroyed multiple Taliban posts at the Kharlachi Terminal, turning forward positions into rubble, sources said. Security forces carried out targeted strikes near the Nawapas sector, hitting multiple Taliban hideouts, they added.
The strong and decisive counter-operation forced the militants to flee in panic, security sources said. Taliban fighters loaded goods onto trucks and retreated from the Torkham border, sources added.
In South Waziristan, Pakistani forces carried out a powerful counter-operation, destroying the Afghan Taliban’s Dawood Post, security sources added.
Security forces also carried out a precise and coordinated counter-operation in Angur Adda, targeting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan hideouts, security sources said.
They added that Afghan Taliban also attempted to strike Pakistani security check posts using quadcopters, but the attacks were thwarted after Pakistani forces shot down all the drones in a swift and coordinated response.
The targeted firing destroyed multiple enemy positions, effectively paralysing hostile activities along the border strip, they added.
In the Mohmand sector’s Gursal area, troops destroyed several Taliban check posts, killing at least three insurgents. Meanwhile, near Chitral, the Pakistani military successfully targeted and destroyed the Taliban’s Burokot base. Security officials said that the operation was carried out with precision, neutralising several insurgent positions.
The border incidents included attempted Taliban attacks using quadcopters on Pakistani check posts, all of which were thwarted by timely military action. Officials confirmed that all hostile drones were shot down, and several Taliban strongholds were destroyed using small and heavy arms, as well as targeted aerial strikes.
Security sources reported that terrorists attempted to cross the border in the Bajaur sector. Pakistani forces acted swiftly and successfully intercepted the group. One of the captured individuals identified himself as Abdullah, sources confirmed.
Pakistani troops on the border reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the homeland. One soldier stated, “The Taliban have no idea which nation they are challenging. We will defend our country and respond decisively to anyone instigated by foreign forces. Pakistan knows how to protect itself.”
Unprovoked attacks by the Afghan Taliban have now targeted a mosque, security sources confirmed. The shelling in Bajaur severely damaged the mosque’s roof and other structures.
Authorities stressed that Pakistan remains fully capable of safeguarding its citizens and borders, and any attempt at aggression will be met with a strong and immediate response.
According to security sources, Pakistani forces detroyed two Taliban outposts in Bajaur. Officials said the hostile elements were forced to retreat in disarray following the counterstrikes.
The aggression began with the Taliban opening fire at various points along the border. Pakistani forces responded with coordinated artillery, small arms, and drone operations, targeting Taliban hideouts and eliminating threats. Security sources confirmed that the troops are fully prepared to defend the border and respond firmly to any form of aggression.
Exclusive footage from the Kurram sector shows Frontier Corps personnel engaging Taliban positions with expert precision, neutralising insurgent threats along the border. Security sources added that the Taliban have been circulating false claims and fabricated videos on social media in an attempt to distort the events.
Security sources further said Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has been circulating misleading reports, while verified updates from government sources are being shared in real time.
They noted that accounts linked to India’s RAW have also attempted to amplify false narratives on social media in support of the Taliban. Officials urged the public not to pay attention to any fake news. Pakistani security forces, they added, are responding effectively and timely to all hostile actions.
Authorities affirmed that Pakistani forces remain vigilant and committed to protecting the border, emphasising that any aggression will be met with a robust and proportionate response.
Security officials have urged the public to remain vigilant while assuring that the border remains secure under continuous surveillance and operational readiness.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in a post on X, said Pakistan’s armed forces are “currently delivering a decisive response to the Taliban and Afghan aggression backed by India.” “Defeat of the enemy is inevitable, Insha’Allah,” he added.
Separately, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said in a post on X, “May Allah always protect Pakistan. We will seek to maintain peace with our neighbours wherever possible, but we will never hesitate to confront any threats directed at Pakistan.”
He added, “Every enemy will be brought to justice. Pakistan will respond decisively to any provocations from Afghanistan. Our security forces, with the prayers of the nation, will defend the country.” “Our prayers and full support are with them. Long live Pakistan,” he concluded.
Interior ministry says Pakistan delivered “strong and decisive response”
The Ministry of Interior strongly condemned what it described as the Afghan Taliban regime’s deliberate targeting of civilian populations, calling the act a serious and unacceptable escalation.
In a statement posted on X, the ministry said Pakistan’s armed forces delivered a “strong and decisive response” to what it termed open aggression by Afghan Taliban forces.
The ministry further stated that the “cowardly enemy attempted to strike under the cover of darkness,” while also accusing Afghan Taliban elements of making a “malicious attempt to target innocent civilians.”
It reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to defend its people and territory, emphasising that any aggression would be met with firm and effective action.
Tarar warns Taliban over border aggression
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that Pakistan has delivered, and will continue to deliver, a strong and effective response to unprovoked firing by the Afghan Taliban along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
He condemned false propaganda being spread by the Afghan Taliban regime and Indian social media accounts, stating that such claims are baseless and bear no relation to reality. “These rumors are being circulated to save face after their failures on the ground,” he added.
The minister emphasised that the Taliban will not be allowed to hide behind lies. “Alhamdulillah, Pakistan’s professional armed forces are shattering the attackers’ ambitions,” he said.
Tarar further highlighted Pakistan’s recent successful operations against terrorist groups targeting civilians in the region, noting that the Taliban’s support for these terrorists has been exposed globally.
He warned that Afghanistan should learn from past setbacks and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to neutralising any hostile designs aimed at its territory.
The Ministry of Information also confirmed the development on X, saying the security forces gave “an immediate and effective response” to the “unprovoked action” by the Afghan Taliban along the Pak–Afghan border.
“The Afghan Taliban miscalculated and opened unprovoked fire at multiple locations along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, which is being met with an immediate and effective response by Pakistan’s security forces,” the ministry said in a post.
It added that Taliban regime forces are being delivered punishment in Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram and Bajaur sectors. “Early reports confirm heavy casualties on Afghan side with multiple posts and equipment destroyed.”
The ministry reiterated that Pakistan will take all necessary measures to ensure its territorial integrity and the safety and security of its citizens.
Talal slams Taliban’s ‘ guerrilla mindset’
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry accused the Afghan Taliban regime of initiating attacks in parts of K-P, saying Pakistan was giving a “befitting response” and would share further details as the situation unfolded.
Speaking to a private news channel, Chaudhry described the Afghan Taliban regime as having a “guerrilla mindset,” alleging that it had launched attacks in certain areas of the province.
“What kind of state is this that makes 15, 16, 17-year-old children commit suicide, then celebrates it? They send children to suicide missions—do any states treat their children like this?” he said.
He emphasised that no one would be allowed to attack Pakistan’s sovereignty or peace and asserted that the country would use all available means to defend itself.
The minister said Pakistan had sought to resolve matters through dialogue in view of longstanding relations with the neighbouring country. However, since talks had not yielded results, he said, the issues were now being addressed through third parties.
Commenting on the firing from light and heavy vehicles, he said it served to show the world who was behind the attacks. “They have done this before several times they provide cover, and during that time they try to infiltrate small groups,” he added.
Referring to previous claims by Afghan Taliban regime spokesmen about capturing Pakistani check posts, the minister dismissed them as false, saying the Taliban did not have the courage to do so.
He warned that Pakistan would respond like how “an enemy in the East was taught a lesson for a long time,” adding that the Taliban would also be taught a lesson on the western border so that they would not attempt such actions again.
The development comes a day after the Afghan Taliban regime initiated unprovoked firing, prompting security forces to respond immediately and halt the exchange along the international border.
“The Afghan Taliban regime initiated unprovoked firing along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in the Torkham and Tirah sub-sectors. Pakistan’s security forces responded immediately and effectively, silencing the Taliban aggression,” said Mosharraf Zaidi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s spokesperson for foreign media.
Analysts view the incidents of terrorism originating from Afghanistan — including the attack on a Federal Constabulary convoy in Karak district few days ago, the burning of constabulary personnel, the martyrdom of DSP Asad Mehmood in Shakardara (Kohat), and the suicide attack in Bhakkar — as an open war by Afghanistan against the state of Pakistan.
According to them, these suicide attacks during Ramazan reflect that these terrorists have no connection with Islam or Pashtun traditions. For them, innocent human lives hold no value in pursuit of their malicious and self-styled ideology, they added.
Instead of responding to Pakistan’s consistent demand to stop the patronage of “Fitna al-Khawarij”, the Afghan Taliban regime’s blatant aggression against Pakistan is equivalent to challenging Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Pakistan will respond to this declared war by the Afghan Taliban regime with full national resolve and unity. Pakistan’s security forces, backed by complete public support, are determined and united in eliminating all elements that threaten national security.
International reactions
Russia, China and Iran called for restraint and dialogue on Friday as the airstrike escalated between Pakistan and Afghanistan following Pakistani airstrikes and the seizure of border posts.
Russia urged both sides to immediately halt cross-border attacks and resolve their differences through diplomatic means, the RIA news agency reported, citing the foreign ministry. The ministry said Moscow would consider providing mediation if requested by both parties.
Iran offered to help “facilitate dialogue” after Islamabad declared “open war” on the Taliban government and carried out airstrikes on Kabul following border clashes.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to provide any assistance necessary to facilitate dialogue and to enhance understanding and cooperation between the two countries,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X.
China said it was “deeply concerned” by the fighting and called for a ceasefire.
China “calls on both sides to remain calm and exercise restraint… achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, and avoid further bloodshed”, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing.
The foreign ministry and China’s embassies in Pakistan and Afghanistan were “working with relevant parties in both countries on this matter”, she added.