Pakistan has conducted precision airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan under Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, killing 22 terrorists, according to the Ministry of Information.
The strikes targeted two terrorist camps and their affiliates, with large quantities of weapons and ammunition also destroyed. The ministry said the aerial strikes were carried out as part of Pakistan’s continued resolve to eliminate terrorists, their networks and supporters.
Based on credible intelligence, well-planned and calibrated strikes were conducted at two locations in Afghanistan. The ministry said the targets were selected and engaged with precision and accuracy.
Initial reports indicated that 22 terrorists were killed in the strikes, while terrorist hideouts and safe havens were destroyed. Large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored at the targeted locations were also destroyed during the operation.
Terrorism threat from Afghanistan
The ministry said Pakistan has consistently sought peace and stability in the region, but stressed that the safety and security of Pakistani citizens remains its foremost priority. It described Afghanistan as continuing to remain a hub of terrorism and said the threat facing Pakistan emanates from Afghanistan.
Against this backdrop, the ministry said the latest action was specifically aimed at terrorist hubs operating from Afghan territory.
According to the ministry, maximum precautionary measures were taken during the operation to prevent civilian casualties and ensure that there was no collateral damage.
The strikes were conducted selectively on identified terrorist camps and hideouts, with the ministry stressing the precision of the operation.
Counterterrorism campaign to continue
The Ministry of Information said Pakistan’s counterterrorism campaign, Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, will continue under the broader vision of Azm-e-Istehkam.
It said Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies remain committed to eliminating the threat of foreign-backed and foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
The ministry added that operations against terrorist organisations, their networks and supporters will continue at full pace as part of Pakistan’s efforts to protect its citizens and maintain national security.
Nuristan allegations rejected
Meanwhile, the ministry strongly rejected allegations made by an Afghan Taliban minister, describing the claim that Pakistan was responsible for the fighting in Nuristan as an outright lie.
The ministry said the baseless accusations were aimed at diverting attention from internal rebellion, oppression and instability within Afghanistan. It further stated that the current Afghan Taliban administration is unrepresentative and was imposed on the Afghan people by force.
According to the ministry, the Afghan regime’s statements reflect its own failures. It alleged that certain Afghan leaders are acting as proxies for the “nefarious designs of Hindutva” in exchange for money.
The ministry also described the Afghan Taliban’s patronage of terrorists as un-Islamic, saying its policy of destabilising the region is ultimately leading Afghanistan towards ruin.
The ministry concluded that the conduct of the Taliban regime, which it likened to that of hired agents, is steering Afghanistan further down a path of destruction.
