Over 270 Afghan Taliban, terrorists killed in Pakistan counterstrike: DG ISPR

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that more than 270 personnel linked to the Afghan Taliban regime were killed during retaliatory strikes along the Pak-Afghan border, as tensions sharply escalated following cross-border exchanges.

The figures were shared during a detailed media briefing that outlined the scale of Operation “Ghazab-lil-Haq”. Officials described the action as a direct response to what they termed unprovoked attacks from across the frontier.

According to Director General ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, at least 274 Afghan Taliban regime personnel and fighters were killed and more than 400 were injured during the operation. The military also reported the destruction of 74 posts and the elimination of 115 tanks and armoured vehicles.

The DG ISPR said Pakistani forces targeted hideouts of what he described as “Fitna al-Khawarij” near the border during the night of February 21 and 22. He added that the Afghan Taliban regime subsequently used the situation as a pretext to launch what he termed a so-called action.

Lt-Gen Chaudhry stated that Taliban forces opened fire at 53 locations across 15 sectors along the Pak-Afghan border. He said Pakistani troops successfully repelled attacks at all locations and delivered what he described as a decisive response.

Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq

During Operation “Ghazab-lil-Haq”, the military said more than 74 Taliban regime posts were completely destroyed, while 18 check posts were taken into Pakistani control. Officials added that the response was visible globally and that opposing forces were engaged at every affected sector. Security sources separately reported that several Taliban military headquarters, artillery units and check posts were destroyed during the broader exchange. Pakistani authorities also confirmed that 12 of their personnel were martyred in the clashes.

Air strikes

The Pakistan Air Force conducted overnight strikes targeting installations in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia and Nangarhar, according to security officials.

Two brigade headquarters were reported destroyed in Kabul, while a corps headquarters and additional facilities were targeted in Kandahar. Officials further said that an ammunition depot and logistics base were hit, and that a corps headquarters in Paktia was eliminated during the strikes. Taliban officials acknowledged explosions in Kabul, Paktia and Kandahar. They said a military centre in Kabul was struck at around 1:50am but denied any casualties resulting from the attacks.

Border front

Pakistani forces also reported capturing five Afghan posts in Paktia province opposite South Waziristan. The positions included areas near Shawal, Angoor Adda and Zarmalan. The Afghan terminal at Angoor Adda was reported destroyed.

Heavy exchanges were reported in Bajaur, Tirah, Chitral, Mohmand, Wali Khan and Kurram sectors. Security sources said several Afghan check posts were destroyed and additional fighters were killed. Officials also claimed that quadcopters allegedly used against Pakistani positions were shot down. In Bajaur’s Laghrai area, mortar shells reportedly injured five civilians, including three women. The wounded were shifted to Khar Hospital for treatment, while a local mosque sustained damage.

More to follow....