Pakistan conducts ground operation, strikes along Afghanistan border, kills 29 fighters

Pakistan's security forces launched an intelligence-based ground operation and conducted "calibrated strikes" targeting terrorist hideouts along the Afghanistan border on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of 29 fighters. The action was initiated in direct response to multiple terrorist attacks that have recently plagued the country, according to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.

Tarar stated on social media platform X that four fighters linked to Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a faction of the Pakistani Taliban, were killed in the ground attacks. He also confirmed that weapons and ammunition stored in the militants' hideouts were destroyed. "Pakistan has always strived for maintaining peace and stability in the region, but at the same time shall not compromise on the safety and security of our citizens, which remains our top priority," Tarar asserted.

“

Pakistan has always strived for maintaining peace and stability in the region, but at the same time shall not compromise on the safety and security of our citizens, which remains our top priority.

The operation followed a deadly bomb and gun attack on a Sindh Rangers facility in Karachi the previous day, which claimed the lives of three paramilitary troops and injured four. The military identified Jamaat-ul-Ahrar as the group responsible for the Karachi attack, stating they detonated an explosive at the camp entrance before opening fire.

However, the Pakistani strikes drew strong condemnation from the Afghan Taliban. Spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid posted on X that the attacks resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children. He labeled the action a "cowardly act of aggression" and a "crime and an act of brutality."

“

The attacks resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of civilians, including women and children. We strongly condemn this cowardly act of aggression and consider it a crime and an act of brutality.