Pakistan says 22 militants were killed in aerial strikes targeting alleged militant hideouts in Afghanistan on Thursday.
The Airstrikes were conducted at two locations as part of Operation Ghazab Lil Haq. Pakistan’s Ministry of Information announced the operation in a statement.
According to the ministry, the operation targeted camps linked to groups it calls Fitna al Khwarij and Fitna al Hindustan. Pakistan uses the term Fitna al Khwarij for militants associated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.
Pakistan Says 22 Militants Killed
The ministry said the targets were selected using intelligence and struck with precision.
Initial Pakistani reports said 22 militants were killed during the operation. Weapons and ammunition stored at the targeted locations were also destroyed, according to the ministry.
Pakistan said maximum precautions were taken during the Airstrikes to reduce the risk of civilian casualties.
However, Afghanistan’s Taliban government disputed Pakistan’s account. Afghan officials said nine civilians were killed and 11 others were injured in strikes in Kunar and Helmand provinces. These competing casualty claims have not been independently verified.
Pakistan Raises Security Concerns
Pakistan says militant groups operating from Afghanistan pose a continuing threat to its security.
Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban government of allowing TTP militants to operate from Afghan territory. The Afghan Taliban has denied accusations that it provides sanctuary to militants targeting Pakistan.
The Information Ministry said protecting Pakistani citizens remains the government’s foremost priority.
It said Pakistan has worked for regional peace and stability. However, authorities said operations against militant networks and their supporters would continue.
Operation Ghazab Lil Haq Continues
The latest Airstrikes form part of Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign.
Pakistani authorities say the operation is being conducted under the broader Azm-e-Istehkam security framework. Security forces and law-enforcement agencies are involved in operations against militant networks.
The strikes come amid renewed tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The two neighbours have exchanged accusations over cross-border militant activity and security threats.
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Pakistan maintains that its latest action targeted militant facilities rather than civilians. Kabul has condemned the strikes and challenged Islamabad’s account of the casualties.
