133 Afghan Taliban Killed, Airstrikes Confirmed; UN Urges Restraint
Peshawar/Islamabad: Pakistan formally launched “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq” (Righteous Fury) on Thursday night following unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban forces, triggering heavy fighting across multiple sectors along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border. Reports indicate that heavy weaponry was used in the sectors of Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, and Bajaur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, 133 Afghan Taliban fighters were killed, and more than 200 were injured in retaliatory strikes, while two Pakistani security personnel lost their lives. He stated that 27 Afghan Taliban posts were destroyed and nine were captured. Earlier, Pakistan’s official media had reported casualty figures of 44, 58, and 72 at different intervals; however, the latest official position places the total death toll at 133.
State broadcaster Pakistan Television (PTV) reported that the Pakistan Air Force carried out airstrikes targeting key Afghan Taliban military installations in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. Afghan Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the airstrikes in these cities via social media.
According to reports, two brigade headquarters in Kabul were destroyed, while in Kandahar, one corps headquarters and one brigade headquarters were targeted. Weapons depots and logistics bases were also struck. Additionally, Pakistan claimed to have destroyed more than 80 tanks, artillery pieces, and armoured vehicles.
Reports further suggest that following the aerial operation, Pakistan Air Force jets continued aerial patrols over Kandahar to deter further aggression. Official sources also claimed that Afghan positions in parts of Mohmand and Bajaur retreated and raised white flags; however, these claims could not be independently verified.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that Afghan Taliban forces had targeted Pakistani civilian populations, warning that “the Afghan Taliban have made a grave mistake and will face the consequences.” Defence Minister Khawaja Asif alleged that the Taliban government was turning Afghanistan into “a colony of India” and exporting terrorism. He added that Pakistan had made every effort to maintain normal relations but that “patience has now run out.”
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with leaders of various political parties, expressed full support for Pakistan Armed Forces, stating that no compromise would be made on national sovereignty. Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Gohar Ali Khan, also said that while Pakistan seeks peace with its neighbours, any threat would be met with a strong response.
Due to the border escalation, the repatriation process of Afghan families at the Torkham border crossing has been disrupted, with several families sent back to the holding centre in Landi Kotal. Civilians in border areas have reportedly sought shelter in safer locations amid the deteriorating security situation.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, urged both countries to strictly adhere to international law, particularly international humanitarian law. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk also called for de-escalation and dialogue.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered to facilitate dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan, stating that Iran is ready to help promote understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
It is noteworthy that in October last year, similar border clashes resulted in the deaths of Pakistani personnel and a significant number of Taliban fighters. Islamabad maintains that banned militant groups, particularly Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to officially as “Fitna al-Khawarij,” are operating from Afghan soil, and has repeatedly called on Kabul to take action.
