ISLAMABAD — Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced on Monday that Pakistan’s security forces have killed 29 terrorists during highly coordinated intelligence-based ground operations and precision air strikes along the Pak-Afghan border.
The cross-border kinetic response was launched on Sunday night following a string of deadly terrorist attacks targeting civilians and security assets across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and a paramilitary Rangers base in Karachi.
Pakistan’s security forces have carried out a ground operation and air strikes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in response to deadly attacks, killing 29 fighters, say officials https://t.co/DAqxYak6j6 pic.twitter.com/rFzU3y2UzU
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) June 29, 2026
Two-Pronged Tactical Operation
The counter-terrorism offensive unfolded in two distinct phases, targeting active sanctuaries linked to Jamaatul Ahrar (JuA) and Fitna al Khawarij—the state’s official designation for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Ground Phase (Bajaur District): Special forces successfully targeted a localized militant network near the frontier. The engagement neutralized a high-value commander identified as Khan Farosh (alias Zabal) alongside three JuA operatives.
Aerial Phase (Cross-Border Echoes): Striking overnight on June 28–29, air assets executed precise strikes on verified infrastructure hubs. The strikes dismantled three major operational bases, killing 25 additional fighters and destroying large stockpiles of ammunition.
Targeted Locations & Casualty Toll
| Operational Zone | Attack Type | Terrorist Casualties | Infrastructure Impact |
| Bajaur District (KP) | Ground Engagement | 4 Killed (inc. Commander Khan Farosh) | Cell neutralized on-site |
| Paktia, Paktika, & Kunar | Precision Air Strikes | 25 Killed | 3 major bases and ammunition depots destroyed |
“Pakistan has always strived for maintaining peace and stability in the region, but at the same time shall not compromise on the safety and security of our citizens, which remains our top priority.”
— Information Minister Attaullah Tarar
Escallating Regional Pressures
The military action marks a major escalation under the government’s recently approved “Azm-i-Istehkam” national security framework, serving as a continuation of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq which originally commenced in late February.
Relations between Islamabad and Kabul remain highly strained. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban administration to dismantle cross-border sanctuaries, while regional powers like China continue to pursue diplomatic mediation channels between the neighboring states.
