Pakistan strikes 7 terrorist camps along Pak-Afghan border, 80 khawarij killed: security sources

Pakistan has struck seven terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Pakistani Taliban of Fitna al Khwarij and its affiliates and the Islamic State-Khorasan Province at the border region of Pakistan Afghan border, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced in a post early Sunday on social media platform X.

Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The action was taken in the aftermath of recent suicide bombing incidents in Pakistan, including Imam Bargah at Islamabad, one each in Bajaur and Bannu, followed by another incident today in Bannu during the holy month of Ramazan, the information ministry’s statement said.

Pakistan's intelligence base airstrikes have destroyed seven centers of the Fitna al-Khawarij banned TTP in Afghan’s three provinces including Nangarhar, Paktika and Khost, in which more than eighty Khawarij were confirmed to have been killed, while more are expected. 

The names of the centers destroyed are as follows: New Center No. 1, Nangarhar, New Center No. 2, Nangarhar, Khawarij Maulvi Abbas Center, Khost, External Islam Center, Nangarhar, Khawarij Ibrahim Center, Nangarhar, Khawarij Mullah Rahbar, Paktika and Khawarij Mukhlis Yar, Paktika. 

According to the Ministry of Information, the operation was conducted “with precision and accuracy” as a retributive response to suicide bombings in Islamabad, Bajaur and Bannu during the holy month of Ramadan.
“The suicide attacks were carried out by Khawarij on the instructions of Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers,” the ministry said, adding that responsibility for the attacks was also claimed by Afghanistan-based Pakistani Taliban linked to FAK and Daesh.
The ministry said despite repeated requests urging the Afghan Taliban to take verifiable measures to stop the use of Afghan territory by terrorist groups and foreign proxies, “no substantive action was taken.”
It said Pakistan had always worked for peace and stability in the region, but “the safety and security of our citizens remains our top priority.”
Pakistan expects the interim Afghan government to fulfil its obligations and prevent the use of its territory by terrorist groups against Pakistan, the statement said.
The ministry also called on the international community to play a constructive role by urging Afghan authorities to honour their commitments under the Doha Agreement to prevent the use of Afghan soil against other countries, saying such steps are vital for regional and global peace and security.
Earlier, Afghan media, citing sources, reported that an explosion targeted a militant hideout in the Bermal area of Afghanistan’s Paktika province, with jet aircraft carrying out an airstrike that destroyed militants infrastructure.

Several militants lost their lives in the attack. 

Following the strike in Paktika, another attack was reported in the Khogyani district of Nangarhar province, with further airstrikes later reported in the Ghani Khel, Behsud and Argoon areas. The number of possible militant casualties could not be confirmed, Afghan media said.

Pakistan Air Force also carried out two attacks in district Kami of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province.

In yet another strike, over 10 people were killed while several others were injured when Banosi seminary in Murgha area came under attack.

The seminary was reportedly owned by commander Akhtar Muhammad Markaz.

The airstrikes came hours after security forces gunned down five terrorists belonging to the India-backed Fitna al-Khwarij during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district, the military said.

However, two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel, embraced martyrdom when their convoy was targeted by militants, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The military’s media wing stated on Saturday that the operation was conducted following reports of the presence of terrorists, including a suicide bomber.
A vehicle-borne suicide bomber was intercepted by the leading group, foiling his plan to target innocent civilians or law enforcement personnel in Bannu City and averting a major catastrophe, the military said.
During the operation, the terrorists were located, and after an intense exchange of fire, five militants were killed by the security forces. In a desperate act, the terrorists rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into one of the vehicles of the leading group.
"As a result, Lt Colonel Shahzada Gul Faraz (43), a resident of district Mansehra and a brave commanding officer known for his daring leadership at the front, embraced shahadat along with Sepoy Karamat Shah (28), a resident of district Peshawar," the ISPR added.
It said that the Afghan Taliban regime had once again failed to prevent militants from using Afghan soil for carrying out terrorist activities inside Pakistan, even during the holy month of Ramadan.
“Pakistan will not exercise any restraint, and operations will continue against the perpetrators of this heinous and cowardly act, irrespective of their location,” the ISPR added.
The statement further said, “The counter-terrorism campaign under Vision Azm-e-Istehkam by the security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to eliminate the menace of foreign-sponsored terrorism. The sacrifices of our brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation at all costs.”
The IBO followed a terrorist attack in Bajaur district on February 17, carried out by Indian proxies, in which 11 personnel embraced martyrdom while 12 militants were gunned down by security forces.