Security forces kill several Afghan Taliban fighters in retaliatory action along Balochistan border: sources

Pakistani security forces retaliated along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Balochistan after an Afghan Taliban attempt to enter Pakistani territory, killing several Taliban fighters, according to state media. The incident occurred in the Gulistan sector of Balochistan’s Gulistan sector, where the Taliban aimed to carry out an act of aggression. Following the incident, there were continuous exchanges of fire between the Afghan Taliban and security forces.

In retaliation for drone strikes launched from Afghanistan into Pakistan the previous day, Pakistan conducted precision aerial and drone strikes in 10 locations across Afghanistan. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar disclosed these strikes, which came after eight Afghan drones entered Pakistani airspace near Torkham border and Kohat. Security sources confirmed that the drones were subsequently shot down.

The Afghan Taliban also fired unprovoked on border posts in Kurram the night before, and security forces thwarted an attempt by terrorists to cross into Pakistan. On September 21, Pakistan conducted "calibrated" airstrikes in the border region with Afghanistan against terrorist hideouts and safe havens of terrorist organizations, eliminating over 28 terrorists in the strikes.

Pakistan’s response to the latest situation is part of its ongoing counter-terrorism campaign. In February, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil Haq against terrorist hideouts following an unprovoked firing by the Afghan Taliban from the border. Pakistan also conducted strikes in the border region with Afghanistan in June, killing 25 terrorists in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar. Similar strikes were carried out earlier in the month, eliminating 26 terrorists.

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain high, with Islamabad urging the Taliban administration to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil linked to banned terrorist groups. The Taliban has ignored these appeals. Pakistan has repeatedly warned Kabul about the threat of terrorist attacks emanating from Afghanistan and has declared it will respond to such threats in self-defense.