ISLAMABAD: More than 80 militants were killed in intelligence-based airstrikes conducted along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, security sources said on Sunday, describing the operation as a response to recent suicide attacks inside Pakistan.
According to security officials, the strikes targeted seven camps and hideouts linked to Fitna al-Khawarij — a term used by the state for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — as well as its affiliates and Daesh-Khorasan. The operation reportedly took place in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar, Paktika and Khost provinces.
Among the sites hit were New Centre No. 1 and New Centre No. 2 in Nangarhar, the Khwariji Maulvi Abbas Centre in Khost, the Khwariji Islam Centre and Khwariji Ibrahim Centre in Nangarhar, and Khwariji Mullah Rahbar and Khwariji Mukhlis Yar facilities in Paktika, the sources added.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting earlier confirmed the cross-border action, calling it a “precise and accurate” retaliatory response to recent suicide bombings in Islamabad, Bajaur and Bannu. The ministry said Afghanistan-based handlers orchestrated the attacks, which were claimed by elements of the TTP with links to FAK and Daesh.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in a post on X, said Pakistan’s actions reflect its right to defend its citizens against cross-border terrorism. Referring to the latest United Nations Security Council report, he warned that those responsible for bloodshed inside Pakistan would not remain beyond reach.
Government Briefing
State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said nearly 70 militants were neutralised in the initial phase of the operation, adding that the figure later rose to over 80. Speaking on Geo News programme “Geo Pakistan,” he stated that Pakistani forces carried out the strikes after conducting extensive intelligence assessments.
He said Pakistan had undertaken approximately 70,000 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) inside the country in recent years, resulting in multiple arrests. “There is ample evidence suggesting that most of the slain terrorists were Pakistanis,” he added.
Chaudhry also referred to the 2020 Doha agreement, under which the Afghan Taliban pledged not to allow their territory to be used for terrorism. He said Afghanistan’s interim government had failed to honour that commitment.
“Afghanistan has long been exporting terrorism. Pakistan is taking all actions to secure the life and property of its citizens,” the minister said, while stressing that Pakistan remained a responsible state seeking peaceful relations with its neighbours.
He further noted that Pakistan had engaged in sustained diplomatic and military-to-military contacts with Kabul, but concerns about militant groups operating from Afghan soil persist. He added that multiple countries and the United Nations have raised similar concerns about the presence of militant outfits in Afghanistan.
Rising Tensions
The latest strikes come amid heightened tensions between Islamabad and Kabul following a series of deadly attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban administration to take action against groups targeting Pakistan from across the border.
In October 2025, cross-border clashes erupted after what Pakistan described as unprovoked attacks by Afghan Taliban and militant elements on its border posts. The fighting reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 200 Taliban and affiliated militants, while 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred.
Pakistan also carried out precision strikes inside Afghanistan in the past, targeting suspected militant hideouts. However, despite multiple rounds of talks, the two sides have not reached a lasting ceasefire.
Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has reported a surge in cross-border militant activity, particularly in border provinces.
Officials reiterated that political unity remains essential in combating terrorism, adding that all major political parties have pledged support for security forces in the ongoing fight to ensure national security.