Pakistan military conducts overnight strikes on 'terrorist hideouts' in Afghanistan's Kandahar

KABUL — The Pakistan military carried out a series of overnight strikes in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, targeting what it described as “terrorist hideouts and military infrastructure,” according to state-run Pakistan TV, which cited security sources.

The strikes are part of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, which was launched in late February following what Pakistani authorities described as unprovoked firing by the Afghan Taliban from across the border. The operation aims to counter cross-border attacks and neutralize threats to Pakistani civilians.

According to Pakistan TV, the military targeted facilities used by the Afghan Taliban and affiliated terrorist groups that have allegedly supported attacks against civilians in Pakistan. Security sources quoted by the outlet stated, “Pakistan armed forces have successfully targeted military installations, including terrorist hideouts of Afghan Taliban and Fitna al-Khawarij.” The term Fitna al-Khawarij is used by the state to refer to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The report further indicated that the strikes resulted in the destruction of technical support infrastructure and an equipment storage facility in Kandahar. The targeted sites were said to be used for logistical and operational support by the groups involved in cross-border hostilities.

Pakistan TV emphasized that these actions are part of ongoing efforts to address security threats emanating from Afghan territory, particularly those that have resulted in attacks on Pakistani civilians. The operation underscores the heightened tensions between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, with Islamabad seeking to curb the activities of groups it considers hostile to its national security.

There was no immediate response reported from Afghan authorities regarding the strikes in Kandahar. The situation remains tense along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border as military operations continue.