ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan carried out targeted strikes at 10 locations in Afghanistan after an attempt was made to enter Pakistani territory using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
In a statement, Tarar said the drones were detected and neutralized by Pakistan’s air defence system before reaching their intended targets. He said Pakistan subsequently exercised its right to self-defence and conducted targeted strikes under Operation Ghazab Lil Haq.
According to the minister, the targeted locations were being used for the launch and storage of drones. He said Pakistan would not tolerate terrorist or military threats originating from Afghan territory and warned that any further destabilizing activity would face an immediate and firm response.
Tarar called on the Afghan Taliban authorities to fulfil their diplomatic and international obligations by preventing armed or militant groups from using Afghan territory to carry out attacks against Pakistan.
He said Pakistan does not seek an escalation of tensions but would continue to protect its territorial integrity and the security of its citizens.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban authorities over cross-border militancy and security concerns.
The Afghan Taliban have not yet issued a response to the reported airstrikes or the statements made by Pakistan’s information minister. Independent details about the targeted locations and the extent of damage or casualties were not immediately available.