26 militants killed in Pakistan’s cross-border strikes, says Tarar

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Wednesday that at least 26 militants were killed in precise and calibrated strikes carried out by Pakistan along the Afghanistan border, targeting hideouts and safe havens of terrorists involved in planning recent attacks inside the country.

In a statement shared on X, Tarar said the operations were conducted following a series of terrorist incidents, including the attack on a Federal Constabulary post in Musa Dara on June 9, a vehicle-borne suicide attack on a military post in North Waziristan on June 2, and an assault on a police station in Bannu on May 9.

The announcement came a day after six Federal Constabulary personnel were martyred and six others injured when terrorists attacked a security post in Hassan Khel, a remote area near Peshawar. Officials said the militants launched the assault around midnight, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.

Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed said six FC personnel embraced martyrdom while defending the post against the attackers.

According to Tarar, the strikes targeted hideouts and safe havens of masterminds and planners belonging to Fitna al Khwarij, resulting in the killing of 26 militants described by the government as Indian-sponsored terrorists.

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The minister said credible intelligence enabled security forces to carry out selective strikes with precision and accuracy. Four major targets were completely destroyed during the operation, including a training facility, a militant hideout, an ammunition depot and several command centres associated with Fitna al Khwarij commanders Aleem Khan Khushali and Akhtar Muhammad Jani Khel.

Tarar said Pakistan remained committed to peace and stability in the region but emphasised that the protection of its citizens and national security remained the country’s foremost priority.

He reiterated that Pakistan’s counter-terrorism campaign under the national security framework “Azm-e-Istehkam”, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, would continue at full pace to eliminate foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism.

Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in militant violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

In response, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, under which security forces have conducted extensive operations against militant networks and their facilitators.

Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have remained strained following border clashes in October 2025, when Afghan Taliban forces and allied militants allegedly carried out attacks on Pakistani border posts. Despite multiple rounds of diplomatic engagement, both sides have yet to reach a breakthrough, with Pakistan repeatedly urging Afghan authorities to take action against militant groups operating from Afghan territory.