ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has conducted intelligence-based, precision airstrikes on seven militant camps along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, targeting hideouts linked to Fitna al-Khawarij (FAK), its affiliates, and Daesh-Khorasan. The action came in response to recent suicide bombings in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu during the holy month of Ramadan.
According to the Ministry of Information, the attacks were carried out with “precision and accuracy” after authorities gathered conclusive evidence that the suicide bombings were orchestrated by khawarij elements under the direction of leadership and handlers based in Afghanistan.
Responsibility for the attacks was reportedly claimed by Afghanistan-based Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which authorities link to FAK and Daesh.
The government stated that despite repeated diplomatic engagement urging Afghan Taliban authorities to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to target Pakistan, no meaningful action was taken. Islamabad reiterated that while it remains committed to regional peace and stability, safeguarding Pakistani citizens remains its foremost priority.
Officials also called on the interim Afghan government to uphold its obligations and prevent cross-border militant activity. Additionally, Pakistan urged the international community to encourage Kabul to adhere to commitments made under the Doha Agreement to ensure Afghan soil is not used against other countries.
Security sources indicated that one of the strikes hit a militant hideout in the Barmal area of Afghanistan’s Paktika province, where jet aircraft reportedly destroyed infrastructure linked to militants. Further strikes were reported in the Khogyani district of Nangarhar province, as well as in Ghani Khel, Behsud, and Argoon. Afghan media outlets said the number of casualties remains unconfirmed.
The cross-border strikes followed an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where Pakistani security forces killed five militants associated with Fitna al-Khawarij. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), troops intercepted a vehicle-borne suicide bomber, preventing a potential attack on civilians and law enforcement personnel in Bannu city.
During the exchange of fire, militants rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a security forces convoy. As a result, Lt Colonel Shahzada Gul Faraz and Sepoy Karamat Shah were martyred. The military described the lieutenant colonel as a courageous commander known for leading from the front.
The ISPR stated that the Afghan Taliban once again failed to prevent militants from operating against Pakistan from Afghan territory, even during Ramadan. It warned that Pakistan would continue operations against those responsible, regardless of their location.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry confirmed the strikes in a post on X, saying that those conspiring against Pakistan had received a clear message. He described the Pakistan Air Force’s action as a response to terrorist violence and a defense of the country’s security.
The developments come amid strained relations between Islamabad and Kabul. Earlier, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif signaled that Pakistan would not hesitate to conduct further strikes if credible assurances were not provided by Afghan authorities.
Tensions between the two countries escalated in October 2025 following border clashes triggered by attacks on Pakistani border posts. The fighting reportedly resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Pakistan also previously conducted precision strikes in Kandahar and Kabul provinces targeting militant elements.
Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has experienced a surge in cross-border attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. A February 17 attack in Bajaur claimed the lives of 11 security personnel, while security forces eliminated 12 militants in response.
In a January 6 briefing, ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry disclosed that 75,175 intelligence-based operations were carried out nationwide in 2025. Of these, 14,658 were conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 58,778 in Balochistan, and 1,739 elsewhere. He reported 5,397 terrorist incidents during the year, with the majority occurring in KP and Balochistan.
According to the military, counterterrorism operations led to the elimination of 2,597 militants in 2025. Officials also highlighted 10 major terror attacks targeting civilians and soft targets, all allegedly linked to militants operating from Afghanistan.
