ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces have carried out 56 strikes against terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan, targeting locations involved in cross-border terrorism, according to security sources.
Officials said the strikes were conducted against areas from where attacks on Pakistan were being planned and executed.
They stressed that the operation is not against the Afghan people but against terrorist elements operating across the border.
Security sources alleged that elements within the Afghan regime are supporting the formation and activities of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, adding that certain border posts have been providing protection to militants and were therefore targeted.
According to the sources, terrorist leaders are being sheltered in urban areas, while militant infrastructure in several locations, including Bagram Airfield, has been struck. They warned that Afghanistan is increasingly becoming a safe haven for terrorist organizations.
Evidence has also reportedly been found linking Afghan militants to attacks such as the assault on Wana Cadet College, the Bajaur District incident, and the attack near Tarlai Mosque.
Security officials said Pakistani forces have taken control of 36 posts along the border, while militants also launched attacks from the Afghan side on 55 locations after Pakistan targeted TTP hideouts.
They emphasized that Pakistan has no intention of occupying any territory, and that the military does not target civilian populations but focuses strictly on terrorist positions.
Meanwhile, more than 200 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) are being conducted daily across Pakistan against militant and criminal networks.
Security sources also said provincial apex committees are reviewing key security issues, including madrassa registration, drug sector reforms, and the repatriation of illegal Afghan nationals. The state is expected to further intensify measures to eliminate terrorism.
They added that the nature of Afghanistan’s government should be decided by the Afghan people, but warned that the current system is enabling extremist groups.
Pakistani authorities reaffirmed that terrorism in the name of religion is unacceptable and vowed that operations will continue until decisive action is taken against militant groups operating from Afghan territory.
