Pakistan strikes terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan

October 2, 2026

Pakistan has carried out targeted air strikes at two locations in Afghanistan, killing 22 suspected militants, according to the Ministry of Information on Thursday. The strikes were conducted under Operation Ghazab lil Haq and targeted what the government described as hideouts and safe havens of Fitna al Khawarij, Fitna al Hindustan and their affiliated groups. The ministry said the operation was based on credible intelligence and that weapons and ammunition stored at the sites were destroyed. It added that precautions were taken to avoid civilian casualties. The strikes reflect the growing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over the presence of militant groups operating from Afghan territory. Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban government to dismantle the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sanctuaries and prevent cross-border attacks. A United Nations Security Council-mandated monitoring report covering December 2025 to June 2026 identified continued support for the TTP as a factor behind the increasing frequency and severity of attacks in Pakistan. The report also highlighted operational links among the TTP, Al Qaeda, Islamic State-Khorasan and the Balochistan Liberation Army. Pakistan has carried out similar strikes in Afghanistan, including on September 21, following deadly militant attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Tensions further increased after Pakistan reported drone incursions near Torkham and Kohat, prompting additional aerial and drone strikes and a diplomatic protest to Afghan representatives.

The issue is complicated by the Afghan Taliban’s historical and ideological ties with the TTP. Although Kabul has taken some steps to restrict the group, a UN monitoring report said these measures had not dismantled its support networks and infrastructure. The Taliban authorities have also denied allowing Afghan territory to be used for attacks against Pakistan, while Islamabad maintains that militant sanctuaries continue to operate across the border.

This failure to resolve the dispute has created a painful situation in which Pakistan faces repeated militant attacks and has resorted to strikes inside a neighbouring country. The way forward requires Kabul to take verifiable action against TTP camps, leadership networks and financing, while Pakistan should continue intelligence sharing, border security and diplomatic engagement.