Pakistan’s military is pressing forward with Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, a sustained campaign targeting Afghan Taliban positions along the border, as civilian casualties mount from cross-border shelling. The operation, launched in response to repeated incursions and attacks, has resulted in significant losses for the Taliban regime, according to official statements.
Civilian Toll Rises in South Waziristan and Bajaur
Security sources reported that on April 29, 2026, Afghan Taliban forces shelled the Angoor Adda area in South Waziristan, wounding five civilians, including four children and a woman. Mortar shells struck homes in the village, and the injured were rushed to Wana’s DHQ Hospital. Officials condemned the targeting of civilians, calling it a “malicious” tactic by Taliban and affiliated Khawarij elements.
Earlier, on April 15, three members of a family—including two children—were killed in similar shelling in Bajaur’s Katkot border area. Security sources said the attack followed a foiled infiltration attempt by Fitna al-Khawarij militants, after which Taliban forces retaliated by striking civilian areas.
Military Retaliation and Strategic Gains
In response to the unprovoked aggression, Pakistan’s armed forces have retaliatory strikes, destroying multiple Taliban posts. On April 28, security forces targeted the Sarshan, Al-Marjan, and Edhi posts in the Chaman sector, along with an Afghan vehicle and other installations. The military stated that the operation aims to “foil the designs of terrorists and their facilitators.”
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar disclosed on April 5 that the operation has killed 796 Taliban regime personnel and terrorists, with over 1,043 injured. Additionally, 286 Taliban posts have been destroyed, 44 captured, and 249 tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery guns, and drones neutralized.
Pakistan Rejects Propaganda Claims
Pakistan has denied reports from Afghan media alleging strikes on a university and civilian areas in Kunar province. The Ministry of Information’s fact-checking X account called the claims “fabricated,” asserting that Pakistan conducts precise, intelligence-based operations. It accused Afghan media of spreading misinformation to “cover up support to terrorist groups” and noted amplification by Indian media outlets.
China Brokers Peace Talks
Amid the ongoing conflict, China’s foreign ministry announced on April 8 that Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed during peace talks in Urumqi to explore a comprehensive solution. Spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed that both sides pledged not to escalate the situation, with China continuing to provide a platform for dialogue.
Military Leadership Pledges Continued Action
During the 274th Corps Commanders’ Conference on April 7, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reiterated the military’s commitment to eliminating terrorist safe havens in Afghanistan. The forum resolved to pursue all proxies operating on behalf of India and other external sponsors “relentlessly and without exception,” ensuring Afghan soil is no longer used against Pakistan.
- Operation Ghazab lil-Haq targets Afghan Taliban and Khawarij elements along the border.
- Civilian casualties include four children and a woman wounded in South Waziristan.
- Pakistan reports 796 Taliban operatives killed and 286 posts destroyed.
- China mediates peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Urumqi.
- Military brass vows to continue operations until all objectives are achieved.
