In a decisive military response to recent unprovoked attacks along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Pakistan initiated a large-scale offensive named “Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq.” This operation specifically targeted Taliban military infrastructure in several Afghan provinces, including Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar. The Pakistani military’s retaliation was swift and comprehensive, aiming to dismantle the Taliban’s operational capabilities in the region.
During the operation, Pakistani forces reportedly destroyed numerous Taliban military headquarters, tanks, artillery units, and border check posts. The Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) confirmed that at least 274 Taliban fighters were killed, with over 400 others sustaining injuries in the retaliatory strikes. These figures highlight the intensity and scale of the military engagement, which was triggered by the Taliban’s cross-border aggression.
Officials revealed that the Afghan Taliban initiated unprovoked firing on multiple border points, prompting Pakistan’s security forces to respond with overwhelming force. The operation led to the destruction of more than 115 tanks, artillery pieces, and armored vehicles, severely crippling the Taliban’s military assets. Additionally, 73 Taliban check posts were completely demolished, while Pakistani forces successfully captured 18 posts, further consolidating control over the volatile border areas.
Meanwhile, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, militants attempted to execute drone attacks in the districts of Abbottabad, Swabi, and Nowshera. These attacks involved small drones, but Pakistan’s advanced anti-drone defense systems intercepted and neutralized all incoming threats without causing any casualties. Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar emphasized that these incidents exposed direct links between the Afghan Taliban regime and terrorist activities within Pakistan, underscoring the ongoing security challenges faced by the country.
The Pakistan Air Force played a crucial role in the operation by launching targeted air strikes against key Taliban military installations across Afghanistan. A significant ammunition depot in Nangarhar province was destroyed, along with strikes on strategic locations in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. Security sources confirmed that two brigade headquarters in Kabul were eliminated, while in Kandahar, a corps headquarters and a brigade headquarters were targeted and destroyed. Furthermore, an ammunition depot and a logistics base in Kandahar were also hit, and in Paktia, a corps headquarters was reportedly eliminated, delivering a substantial blow to Taliban command structures.
Taliban officials acknowledged the bombings, confirming that a military center in Kabul was struck around 1:50 am. This admission highlights the operation’s precision and the significant damage inflicted on Taliban infrastructure. On the ground, Pakistani forces advanced by capturing five Afghan posts in Paktia province, opposite South Waziristan, raising the Pakistani flag at these strategic locations. The captured posts included areas opposite Shawal, Angoor Adda, and Zarmalan, with the Afghan terminal at Angoor Adda being destroyed during the operation.
Heavy retaliatory actions were also reported along other sectors of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, including Bajaur, Tirah, Chitral, Mohmand, Wali Khan, and Kurram. Several Afghan check posts were destroyed, and additional Taliban fighters were killed in these engagements. Security forces also shot down quadcopters allegedly used by Taliban militants to target Pakistani positions, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of the conflict and Pakistan’s readiness to counter emerging threats.
However, the conflict’s impact extended beyond military targets. After suffering significant losses, Taliban forces reportedly shelled civilian areas in Bajaur. Mortar shells landed in the Laghrai area, injuring five civilians, including three women. The wounded were promptly taken to Khar Hospital for medical treatment. Moreover, a mosque in Bajaur sustained damage during the shelling, raising concerns about the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing hostilities.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar provided further details, stating that 133 Taliban militants were killed and over 200 injured in the retaliatory operations. He noted that 27 Taliban posts were destroyed and nine were captured. The minister also highlighted the destruction of two corps headquarters, three brigade headquarters, two ammunition depots, one logistics base, three battalion headquarters, and two sector headquarters. More than 80 tanks, artillery guns, and armored personnel carriers were also neutralized, reflecting the extensive damage inflicted on Taliban military capabilities.
Prime Minister’s spokesperson Musharraf Zaidi confirmed that the operations were ongoing as of 3:45 am on Friday, February 27, and firmly denied any reports of Pakistani posts being captured or personnel taken prisoner. Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed unwavering support for the armed forces, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He underscored that the country would not be intimidated by any threats or acts of aggression.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed this sentiment, affirming that Pakistan remains fully prepared to protect its borders and respond decisively to any hostile actions. The government’s firm stance reflects the seriousness with which Pakistan views the security challenges posed by the Taliban’s cross-border activities.
On the international front, Russia and Iran voiced concern over the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Russian Foreign Ministry called for an immediate ceasefire and urged both nations to resolve their differences through diplomatic dialogue. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered to mediate negotiations to foster reconciliation and regional cooperation. Additionally, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar engaged in discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, exchanging views on recent developments in the region, particularly the situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Security officials reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces remain vigilant and fully prepared to defend the border against any further aggression. The ongoing operation underscores Pakistan’s determination to safeguard its national security and maintain stability along its western frontier amid a complex and volatile regional environment.
