Pakistan Army Captures 19 Afghan Posts, Dozens of Troops Killed in Retaliation

Islamabad: The Pakistan Army launched a powerful retaliatory operation early Sunday after Afghan forces opened unprovoked fire at multiple locations along the border.

According to security officials, Afghan troops started firing at several points, including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral, and Baramcha. The attacks were reportedly aimed at helping militants cross into Pakistan.

Pakistan’s forces, already on high alert, responded immediately. The situation escalated into a full military operation targeting militant hideouts along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Officials confirmed that the Pakistan Army captured 19 Afghan border posts used for attacks and destroyed several Taliban positions. Video footage from Bajaur and Kurram showed Afghan posts on fire, with Taliban fighters fleeing and leaving behind weapons and bodies.

In one symbolic moment, Pakistani soldiers hoisted the national flag on a captured post in Angoor Adda.

Using artillery, drones, tanks, and air support, Pakistani forces struck key militant locations, including the Durand Mela, Shahidan, Turkmanzai, Jandosar, and Kharchar Fort — believed to be strongholds of terrorist groups.

Several Taliban camps and command centers were also destroyed, including the Manojaba Battalion HQ, Durrani Camp, and Leobund posts. Dozens of militants, including foreign fighters, were reported killed.

The army said the operation was carefully planned to avoid civilian areas and focused only on ISIS and Khawarij militant hideouts.

Officials pointed out that the Afghan attacks came while Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was visiting India — calling the timing “concerning.” They also accused some elements in the Afghan government of working with terrorists and Indian-backed networks to destabilize Pakistan.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the border attacks, calling them a clear violation of international law.

“Pakistan’s military has shown that any aggression will receive a strong response,” he said, adding that the country stands united with its army.

Tribal elders from border areas also voiced support for the Pakistan Army, vowing to help defend the country.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Qatar expressed concern over the fighting. Both countries called for calm, dialogue, and restraint to prevent further conflict and protect regional peace.

Military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan had raised the issue with Afghan authorities through diplomatic channels, including the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE.

He also accused India of using Afghan territory to support terrorist attacks inside Pakistan and said evidence had been shared with Kabul.

“Giving space to terrorists inside Afghanistan is dangerous not only for Pakistan but for Afghanistan itself,” he warned.