Pakistani airstrikes have killed more than 80 terrorists and destroyed seven militant camps along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in a major retaliatory operation, security sources confirmed on Sunday. The strikes were carried out in response to a series of deadly attacks inside Pakistan, including suicide bombings in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu.
According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the operation targeted terrorist hideouts and training centres belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij, the state’s term for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and its affiliates, including the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). The strikes were intelligence-led and focused on selective, proportionate targeting to minimize collateral damage.
Security officials stated that the airstrikes were conducted in three Afghan provinces — Nangarhar, Khost, and Paktika. Among the destroyed locations were multiple training centres and operational bases used by militants to plan and coordinate attacks against Pakistan. More casualties are feared as damage assessments continue.
The operation followed a wave of terrorism in Pakistan, including the bombing of an Imam Bargah in Islamabad, attacks in Bajaur and Bannu, and another incident during the holy month of Ramazan. Authorities said Pakistan had conclusive evidence that these attacks were orchestrated by Afghanistan-based handlers of TTP and ISKP.
Pakistan has once again urged the Afghan Taliban government to take verifiable steps to prevent the use of Afghan soil for terrorism against neighbouring countries. Officials also called on the international community to ensure that commitments under the Doha Agreement are upheld for regional peace and stability.
Kabul, however, claimed civilian casualties and termed the strikes a violation of sovereignty. Pakistani authorities rejected these claims, calling them false and malicious narratives designed to shield terrorist sanctuaries. Officials maintained that militants often hide among civilians and that operational planning took steps to avoid civilian harm.
Government leaders praised the Pakistan Air Force for executing the operation successfully. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry stated that the strikes were retribution for innocent lives lost to terrorism and warned that Pakistan would not compromise on the safety of its people or territory.
The latest action underscores Pakistan’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism and its resolve to protect national security, even amid rising regional tensions.
