At least 274 personnel of the Afghan Taliban regime and affiliated terrorists have been killed in Pakistan’s retaliatory action following unprovoked aggression along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said on Friday.
Addressing a press conference, the military spokesperson said Pakistan launched targeted strikes against terrorist hideouts inside Afghanistan on the night of February 21 and 22 after repeated unprovoked firing along multiple sectors of the border.
Firing in 15 Sectors, 53 Locations
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that firing was carried out in 15 sectors along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border at 53 different locations. All attacks, he said, were effectively repulsed by Pakistani forces.
The Afghan Taliban regime, he added, used the situation as a pretext to initiate a “so-called action” following Pakistan’s counter terrorism operations.
The heaviest exchanges were reported in various areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, and Bajaur, where Taliban fighters resorted to unprovoked firing on Thursday night.
274 Killed, Over 400 Injured
Sharing operational details, the ISPR DG said:
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274 Taliban regime personnel and affiliated terrorists were killed
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More than 400 were injured
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Over 74 Taliban posts were destroyed
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18 checkposts were taken into Pakistan’s custody
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115 enemy tanks and armoured vehicles were destroyed
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22 hideouts of Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij were targeted
He added that militants fled the area, leaving behind bodies of their associates following Pakistan’s “befitting response.”
PAF Strikes in Kandahar, Kabul, and Paktia
The spokesperson confirmed that the Pakistan Air Force conducted precision strikes in Kandahar, Kabul, and Paktia during the retaliatory operation.
Drone attacks in Abbottabad and Nowshera were also foiled during the exchange of fire, he added.
Pakistani Casualties
During the retaliatory response:
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12 security personnel embraced martyrdom
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27 others sustained injuries
Lt Gen Chaudhry said the operation is being carried out under the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“Our operation last night was for the defence of our country and the protection of our people,” he said, adding that Pakistani forces acted professionally and targeted only military objectives.
Warning to Afghan Taliban Regime
The ISPR DG accused the Afghan Taliban regime of “patronising terrorists” and warned that any act of terrorism or suicide bombing inside Pakistan would invite a response not only against perpetrators but also against those providing them shelter.
“Afghanistan will have to choose between terror outfits and Pakistan. Our choice is clear, and we will never hesitate to make a sacrifice for it,” he stated.
Operation Ghazab lil-Haq Ongoing
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry announced that Operation Ghazab lil-Haq is ongoing and will continue until its objectives are achieved.
He reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared on both eastern and western borders and that the country’s sovereignty and security interests will be safeguarded at all costs.
