ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s armed forces carried out precision airstrikes on militant infrastructure inside Afghanistan during the night of March 12–13 as part of Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, targeting facilities linked to groups accused by Islamabad of orchestrating attacks inside Pakistan.
According to Pakistani security sources, the operation focused on militant camps, logistical bases and support installations located in Afghanistan’s Kabul, Paktia and Kandahar provinces. Officials said the strikes were conducted after intelligence assessments identified the locations as hubs used by militants referred to by Pakistan as Fitna al Khawarij for planning and supporting cross-border attacks.
Authorities said the objective of Operation Ghazab Lil Haq was to disrupt militant networks and degrade infrastructure used to facilitate terrorism against Pakistan.
Camps targeted in Kandahar and Paktia
Security officials said several militant sites were struck during the overnight operation. Among the locations identified were the Tarawo militant camp in Kandahar and the Shirinaw militant camp in Paktia province, which officials described as active bases used for training, coordination and logistical support.
Officials said the targets were selected through intelligence-based assessments identifying the sites as operational centers linked to militant activity directed against Pakistan.
Reported militant casualties and infrastructure losses
Preliminary figures released by security sources suggest significant damage to militant infrastructure during Operation Ghazab Lil Haq. According to the figures shared:
• 663 militants were reported killed
• More than 887 were injured
• 249 militant posts were destroyed
• 44 militant posts were captured
• 224 tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery systems were destroyed
• Around 70 militant locations and support facilities across Afghanistan were targeted by air
The casualty and damage figures have not been independently verified.
Pakistan says operation avoided civilian areas
Officials also released video footage of the strikes, stating that Operation Ghazab Lil Haq targeted only militant camps and infrastructure believed to support cross-border terrorism.
Also Read: Pakistan says Operation Ghazab lil Haq continues as security forces target militant networks
According to Pakistani authorities, no civilian population centers or civilian infrastructure were targeted during the operation. Officials rejected claims circulated by Afghan authorities and some media outlets alleging civilian damage, describing them as inaccurate.
Security sources said operations under Operation Ghazab Lil Haq would continue until the identified militant infrastructure threatening Pakistan’s security is neutralized.
Today's E-Paper