The Pakistan Army confirmed that more than 200 Taliban and allied terrorists were killed in retaliatory strikes following an unprovoked attack launched by the Afghan Taliban and Indian-backed Fitna al-Khawarij along the Pak-Afghan border.

The enemy's offensive, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), aimed to destabilize the region and spread terrorism in border areas. Pakistani forces, however, responded with “timely and decisive action,” repelling the attacks and inflicting heavy casualties on the assailants.

The ISPR reported that targets across the border included multiple Taliban posts, camps, and training centers. In these operations, 21 Afghan hideouts were temporarily captured and destroyed. More than 200 Taliban fighters were killed, while several others sustained injuries.

23 Pakistani soldiers martyred in clashes

The military confirmed that 23 Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom during the confrontation, while 29 others were injured. The spokesperson emphasized that “special measures” were taken to safeguard civilians during the ongoing counter-operations.

The statement reiterated that Pakistan would continue its strikes until all terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil were dismantled, warning the Taliban government to eliminate militant organizations or face continued retaliation.

ISPR stated that the attempt to foment unrest in the region was carried out in “collusion with the Taliban regime and India.” The spokesperson described the timing of the attack—coinciding with the Afghan Foreign Minister’s visit to India—as “provocative and a threat to regional peace.”

Pakistan demanded immediate and verifiable action from Kabul to stop harboring and supporting terrorist networks. “Pakistan wants peace in the region but will not tolerate terrorism,” the military statement said.

Key border areas targeted in response

Security sources confirmed that Afghan Taliban forces launched attacks on Pakistani posts in Badini, Kharlachi, Angor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, and Chitral. In response, the Pakistan Army deployed tanks, heavy artillery, drones, and Pakistan Air Force aircraft to neutralize enemy strongholds.

The retaliatory operations reportedly destroyed the Taliban’s Manojba Camp Battalion Headquarters, Kharcher Fort, Durrani Camp, and Turkmanzai Top, as well as Ghazni Headquarters (Nushki Sector), Jandosar Post, and Shaheedan Post.

According to reports, several Taliban soldiers were killed, and large quantities of weapons and equipment were seized after they fled their positions.

Major Taliban camps destroyed

The Pakistan Army also confirmed the destruction of major Taliban camps, including the Asmatullah Karar Camp in the Spin Boldak sector—one of the largest centers of anti-Pakistan operations. Additionally, the Barikot Camp near the Chitral border was completely demolished.

In Kurram, the Shipola Hala Post was reduced to rubble, while in Bajaur, the Karzai Post and Manojba Camp 3 were eliminated. According to unverified videos shared online, Pakistani forces also captured 19 Afghan posts that were being used to carry out attacks on Pakistani territory.

Afghan Taliban’s retaliatory claim and ceasefire

Earlier, the Afghan Taliban’s Defense Ministry had claimed that its forces attacked in retaliation for a Pakistan Army airstrike in Kabul. However, following the heavy counteraction by Pakistani forces, the Afghan Ministry of Defense announced the cessation of its attacks by midnight.

Sources said the destroyed Afghan headquarters had been providing shelter to ISIS and Fitna al-Khawarij elements, further confirming Pakistan’s stance on cross-border terrorism.