ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has conducted a series of intelligence-led precision strikes targeting seven militant camps and hideouts associated with Fitna al Khawarij (FAK), its affiliates, and Daesh-Khorasan along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, the government announced early Sunday.
The operation was carried out in response to recent suicide bombings in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu during Ramadan.
According to the Ministry of Information, the strikes were executed “with precision and accuracy” as a measured retaliatory response to the attacks, which authorities stated were orchestrated by khawarij elements under the direction of Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.
Responsibility for the incidents was reportedly claimed by the Afghanistan-based Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), linked to FAK and Daesh.
The ministry further asserted that, despite repeated diplomatic engagements urging the Afghan Taliban authorities to undertake verifiable measures to prevent terrorist organisations and foreign proxies from exploiting Afghan territory, “no substantive action was taken.”
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability, the statement emphasised that the protection of its citizens remains paramount.
Islamabad called upon the interim Afghan administration to fulfil its international obligations by ensuring that its soil is not utilised for hostile activities against neighbouring states.
The government also appealed to the international community to play a constructive role in encouraging Afghan authorities to honour their commitments under the Doha Agreement, underscoring that preventing cross-border militancy is indispensable for regional and global security.
Security sources indicated that one of the strikes targeted a militant compound in the Barmal area of Afghanistan’s Paktika province, where jet aircraft reportedly destroyed key infrastructure.
Subsequent strikes were reported in the Khogyani district of Nangarhar province, as well as in Ghani Khel, Behsud, and Argoon. Afghan media noted that the number of militant casualties could not be independently verified.
These cross-border operations followed an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, during which security forces neutralised five militants affiliated with the India-backed Fitna al-Khawarij, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
During the Bannu operation, however, two soldiers including a lieutenant colonel embraced martyrdom after their convoy was targeted by militants.
The military’s media wing stated that the operation was initiated upon credible intelligence regarding the presence of armed militants, including a suicide bomber.
A vehicle-borne suicide attacker was intercepted by the forward security contingent, thereby thwarting an intended assault on civilians or law enforcement personnel in Bannu city and averting what officials described as a major catastrophe.
Following an intense exchange of fire, five militants were eliminated. In a final act of desperation, the attackers rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a security forces’ convoy.
Lieutenant Colonel Shahzada Gul Faraz (43), a resident of Mansehra and a commanding officer recognised for his courageous frontline leadership, embraced martyrdom alongside Sepoy Karamat Shah (28) of Peshawar, ISPR confirmed.
The military stated that the Afghan Taliban regime had once again failed to prevent militants from exploiting Afghan territory to conduct terrorist activities inside Pakistan, even during Ramadan.
“Pakistan will not exercise restraint, and operations will continue against the perpetrators of this heinous and cowardly act, irrespective of their location,” ISPR declared.
The statement further affirmed that the counterterrorism campaign under Vision Azm-e-Istehkam would proceed with full resolve to eradicate the menace of foreign-sponsored terrorism. It added that the sacrifices of security personnel reinforce the nation’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and citizens.
The Bannu operation followed a terrorist attack in Bajaur district on February 17, attributed to Indian proxies, in which 11 security personnel embraced martyrdom while 12 militants were killed in retaliatory action.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a discernible escalation in cross-border terrorist activity, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
In a press briefing on January 6, ISPR Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry disclosed that law enforcement agencies conducted 75,175 intelligence-based operations nationwide in 2025. Of these, 14,658 were carried out in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 58,778 in Balochistan, and 1,739 in other regions.
He further reported that 5,397 terrorist incidents were recorded across the country last year. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accounted for 3,811 incidents, Balochistan for 1,557, and 29 incidents occurred in other parts of Pakistan.
Counterterrorism operations resulted in the elimination of 2,597 militants during the year. Officials also highlighted 10 major attacks targeting civilians and other soft targets, all allegedly linked to militants operating from Afghan territory.
