Righteous fury: 415 taliban neutralised, 580 injured in ongoing operation

WEB DESK: Pakistan’s security forces have inflicted heavy casualties on Afghan Taliban personnel in what officials describe as a major retaliatory military operation, according to Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.

Citing a report by The Express Tribune, Mr Tarar stated that 415 Afghan Taliban fighters have been killed and 580 wounded since the launch of the campaign, codenamed Operation Ghazab Lil Haq. He characterised the response as “decisive” and said operations were progressing in line with strategic objectives.

The offensive was initiated following what Pakistani authorities termed “unprovoked cross-border attacks” originating from Afghanistan, further intensifying longstanding tensions along the Durand Line.

Key Developments

Mr Tarar outlined what he described as extensive damage to Taliban infrastructure, including the destruction of 182 Afghan Taliban checkposts. Pakistani forces have reportedly taken control of a further 31 positions. He also claimed that 115 Taliban tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery pieces were destroyed during the fighting. Air operations are said to have targeted 46 locations across Afghanistan, striking what officials described as military positions.

Security sources provided additional details of ground manoeuvres. On 28 February, Pakistani troops advanced beyond the border fence from North Waziristan in daylight towards a key Taliban central post. Afghan personnel reportedly withdrew upon observing the advancing forces, enabling Pakistani troops to secure the position, clear surrounding compounds and remove Taliban flags.

In a separate incident in the Kurram sector, an Afghan checkpost was reportedly destroyed using explosives, with several Afghan personnel said to have been killed. Sources suggested that the Afghan Taliban administration is facing mounting pressure across multiple fronts, with the operation expected to continue until its stated objectives are achieved.

The claims made by Pakistani officials have not been independently verified. Afghan sources have offered differing accounts regarding casualties and the scale of the engagements. The situation remains fluid amid continuing clashes between the two neighbouring countries.