Pakistan security forces killed 72 Afghan Taliban fighters in retaliatory strikes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, security sources said, following what they described as recent cross-border provocations.
According to the sources, more than 100 Afghan fighters were injured, while 12 Afghan border posts were completely destroyed. Pakistani forces also seized control of five Afghan posts during the retaliatory operation.
The sources said a major ammunition depot, three Afghan battalions and a sector headquarters were destroyed during the strikes. More than 30 military assets, including tanks, artillery guns and armoured personnel carriers, were also destroyed.
The clashes occurred along the border with Afghanistan, where tensions have risen amid repeated security incidents.
Security sources said Afghan Taliban fighters had attempted attacks on Pakistani check posts using quadcopter drones, but Pakistani forces shot down the drones before they could cause damage.
Pakistani troops responded using small and heavy weapons, supported by drone strikes targeting Taliban positions, the sources added.
Security officials said retaliatory operations were continuing and warned that Afghan Taliban elements were spreading false claims and misleading videos on social media regarding the situation.
