ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Pakistani security sources have said that at least 56 strikes have been carried out against terrorist targets inside Afghanistan in response to cross-border militancy.
According to security officials, the operations are specifically targeting locations from where attacks against Pakistan are being planned. They emphasized that the campaign is not directed against the Afghan people but against militant groups involved in terrorism.
Security sources alleged that the Afghan regime is supporting the formation and activities of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claiming that certain Afghan border posts provide protection and logistical support to militants. These locations, officials said, are being targeted in the ongoing operations.
The sources further stated that terrorist leadership is being sheltered in civilian areas, while militant hubs in multiple locations, including Bagram, have been struck. They warned that Afghanistan is increasingly becoming a safe haven for terrorist organizations.
Evidence of Afghan militants was reportedly found in attacks on Tirlai Mosque, Wana Cadet College, and Bajaur, officials said, adding that when Pakistan targeted TTP hideouts, attacks were launched from 55 positions on the Afghan side.
Pakistani forces have reportedly taken control of 36 border posts during the operations. Officials maintained that Pakistan has no intention of occupying any territory but is acting against terrorism and criminal networks active along the border.
Security sources also revealed that more than 200 intelligence-based operations are being conducted daily inside Pakistan against both internal and external threats.
Referring to a recent incident of violence against a child in Bannu, officials described it as an extreme act unrelated to Islamic teachings or local traditions, stressing that confronting such elements is the true struggle against extremism.
Meanwhile, the provincial apex committee is reviewing key security matters, including madrassa registration, pharmaceutical reforms, and the repatriation of illegal Afghan nationals. Authorities say counterterrorism measures will be further intensified.
Officials added that the future political system of Afghanistan is a matter for the Afghan people to decide but criticized the current Afghan setup for allegedly enabling militant groups.
They further stated that if the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police are freed from political pressure, they can effectively combat terrorism. The operations, they said, will continue until the Afghan government takes a clear stance against militant groups.
Security sources concluded that while Pakistan’s people and leadership are saddened by the sacrifices of security forces, the nation remains determined to confront terrorism and defend the country.