‘Calibrated’ air strikes target terrorist hideouts at two locations in Afghanistan: info ministry

The Pakistan Information Ministry announced on Thursday that the country conducted "well-planned and calibrated" air strikes against terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan. In a post on X, the ministry stated that these strikes were conducted in line with Operation Ghazab lil Haq and Pakistan's resolve to eliminate terrorists, their networks, and supporters.

The ministry claimed that the strikes were carried out against the hideouts and safe havens of terrorist organizations Fitna al Khwarij and Fitna al Hindustan, which are banned groups in the region. The strikes, based on reliable intelligence, targeted terrorist camps and hideouts at two locations in Afghanistan with precision and accuracy, resulting in the death of multiple terrorists.

The ministry also mentioned that weapons and ammunition stored at these hideouts were destroyed. Pakistan has consistently emphasized regional peace and stability, but the safety of Pakistani citizens is their top priority. The ministry expressed concern about Afghanistan continuing to serve as a hub of terrorism and warned that the threat to Pakistan emanates from Afghanistan.

The country's counter-terrorism campaign, Ghazab lil Haq, will continue at a full pace to eradicate the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries on its soil, but these calls have reportedly been ignored. A UN Security Council-mandated monitoring report highlighted the Taliban's continued support for the TTP as contributing to a rise in the frequency and lethality of terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

Despite some initial steps taken by Kabul to rein in the group, Afghan Taliban's support for the TTP remains a concern. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained in recent years due to concerns over cross-border terrorism. In September, Pakistan conducted "calibrated" airstrikes in the border region with Afghanistan, resulting in the death of over 28 terrorists.

Pakistan also shot down eight drones launched from across the border that entered its airspace. The Afghan Taliban was reported to have engaged in unprovoked firing near Kurram, leading to retaliation from Pakistan.