In a significant escalation of cross-border tensions, the Pakistan Army has launched a robust military operation against Afghan forces and militant groups, destroying multiple check posts, killing dozens of Afghan soldiers and militants, and capturing strategic positions, security sources confirmed on Thursday.

The operation was initiated in response to what Pakistani security sources described as “unprovoked firing” by Afghan forces at six locations along the volatile Pak-Afghan border, including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral, and Baram Chah in Balochistan.

Swift and Overwhelming Response

According to officials, alert Pakistani border posts immediately returned fire, triggering a swift and forceful retaliation that is reportedly still ongoing. The Pakistan Army effectively targeted several Afghan forward posts with a combination of artillery, tanks, and aerial resources.

A major success was reported in the complete destruction of the Taliban’s Manojiya Camp Battalion Headquarters, with sources stating dozens of Taliban soldiers and foreign militants were killed in the strike.

Key Positions Captured and Destroyed

In a significant development, Pakistani forces have reportedly taken control of 19 important border posts that were being used to target Pakistani territory. In another major blow, Kharchar Fort, identified by security sources as a central hub for militant activity (Fitna al-Kharij), was targeted and completely destroyed.

Security sources stated that the operation specifically aimed to dismantle the support structure of Khawarij groups, a term often used to refer to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ISIS militants operating from Afghan soil.

International Reactions Call for Restraint

The escalating conflict has drawn concerned responses from the international community.

Saudi Arabia, through its Foreign Ministry, reiterated its support for all efforts promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. It expressed a keen desire to see improved relations between the “brotherly nations” of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Qatar expressed “deep concern” over the border tensions and urged both countries to find solutions through “patience, dialogue, and diplomacy.” An official statement from Doha emphasized that reducing tensions is essential for regional peace and stability.

Ongoing Air Campaign Targets Militant Havens

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Air Force has begun continuous patrols over several Afghan regions, including Kabul, Paktia, and border areas. Drone strikes are being used to selectively target TTP hideouts and training centers.

The objective of these aerial operations, as per security sources, is to “break the support of Khawarij groups spreading unrest in Pakistan and completely destroy their safe havens.” Several key targets, including TTP shelters, command centers, and weapons depots, have been successfully destroyed in these strikes.

The situation at the border remains fluid, with ongoing operations marking one of the most serious military confrontations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban government in recent years.

Pakistan Says Border Conflict is “Not a War with Afghan People,” Targets Only Militants

Following a significant military exchange on the Pak-Afghan border, Pakistani officials have stated that the ongoing conflict should not be characterized as a war with Afghanistan or its people.

According to security sources, the confrontation was “imposed” by the Afghan interim government and militant groups, with some circles pointing to external influences, including India, as backing these elements.

Officials emphasized that Pakistan’s response has been precisely targeted.

“Pakistan’s aim is not to target the Afghan people or civilians. Our operations are only against those hideouts and networks that are directly involved in terrorism and attacks against Pakistan,” sources stated.

The military affirmed it is acting cautiously to avoid civilian harm while adhering to the limits of self-defense. Officials also stressed that Pakistan reserves the right to respond more effectively to any future aggression.

Sources clarified that the dispute is not with the people of Afghanistan but with “those elements who are creating instability in the region under external patronage,” and that resolving the issue requires limiting action to the responsible parties.

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