Pakistan’s security forces on Sunday evening carried out what officials described as a “punishment fire plan” targeting multiple forward posts of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Afghanistan (TTA) across all sectors along the Pak-Afghan border.
According to security sources, the action was undertaken on Sunday evening in response to unprovoked firing by the TTA on February 26. The response involved artillery, mortar and air strikes aimed at degrading what were termed the group’s “military capabilities and allied infrastructure”.
Security Sources claimed that five additional TTA posts were captured during the day in different sectors as part of quick pursuit operations.
In areas including Tirah, Mohmand and Khyber, the TTA allegedly attempted to build up forces, which were “neutralised by effective and punishing fire”. Other attempts involving small-arms fire from a distance were also repelled through mortar and artillery fire, security sources added.
The military claimed that, based on field reports and intercepted communications, further casualties were inflicted on TTA fighters and allied elements.
They maintained that no casualties were reported among Pakistani security forces along the entire front.
A summary shared by security forces put confirmed TTA losses at 415 killed and over 580 injured. The statement further claimed that 182 posts were destroyed and 31 captured, while 186 tanks, armoured personnel carriers and other vehicles were destroyed. A total of 41 locations were said to have been targeted by air strikes.
The statement also asserted that at several locations along the front, TTA fighters had raised white flags, signalling a call for de-escalation and reluctance to continue fighting.
In the Zhob sector, security officials said the Ghudwana Enclave, a 32-square-kilometre area, remained firmly under the control of Pakistani forces. They added that nearby TTA posts in the sector had largely been vacated, with white flags raised.
Officials further stated that captured weapons, vehicles and equipment had been moved to the rear headquarters.
