In a significant military operation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Pakistan’s armed forces announced on Friday that they had eliminated 274 fighters belonging to the Afghan Taliban regime. Alongside this, the military successfully destroyed 115 tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery units, as well as 73 border posts that were being used by militants. This operation marks a major escalation in the ongoing conflict triggered by a surge in cross-border hostilities.
The announcement was made during a detailed press briefing by Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). He revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was thoroughly briefed on the operation, named “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq,” just prior to the media address. The briefing aimed to provide the Prime Minister with a comprehensive understanding of the military’s strategic and tactical moves during the operation.
The military offensive was launched on the night of February 21st to 22nd, targeting militant strongholds situated near the Afghan border. This response came after the Afghan Taliban forces reportedly fired across 53 locations spread over 15 different sectors along the frontier. The Pakistani forces managed to seize control of 18 Taliban posts, inflicting substantial damage and wounding over 400 militants in the process.
In addition to the border areas, Pakistani airstrikes extended deep into Afghanistan, hitting 22 locations linked to militant groups identified as “Fitna al-Hindustan” and “Fitna al-Khawarij.” These strikes targeted key positions in major Afghan provinces including Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. The air campaign also covered Nangarhar and Khost, focusing on critical military infrastructure such as an infantry brigade headquarters in Kabul and a logistics brigade headquarters in Kandahar. The operation effectively dismantled militant hideouts, weapons depots, gun emplacements, and posts used for launching cross-border attacks.
Lt-Gen Chaudhry emphasized that the militants abandoned their positions in haste, leaving behind the bodies of their fallen comrades. He categorically rejected any claims suggesting that civilians were targeted during the operation, labeling such accusations as baseless propaganda. The ISPR chief assured that Pakistan’s armed forces maintained strict professionalism throughout the operation, engaging exclusively with legitimate military targets to avoid civilian casualties.
The operation came at a cost, with 12 Pakistani soldiers martyred, 27 wounded, and one soldier reported missing in action. Despite these losses, Lt-Gen Chaudhry highlighted that the swift and effective military response demonstrated the vigilance and readiness of Pakistan’s armed forces. He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to defending its borders and warned that the military remains prepared to launch immediate retaliatory strikes should any further aggression occur.
Overall, “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq” underscores Pakistan’s determination to safeguard its territorial integrity by neutralizing militant threats while ensuring the safety of civilian populations. The operation also sends a clear message about the country’s capability and resolve in confronting cross-border terrorism and maintaining regional stability.
