Pakistan Airstrikes Target Militant Safe Havens After Deadly Attacks

Pakistan vs Afghanistan – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – Pakistan airstrikes hit militant hideouts this week, following a string of deadly attacks that shook Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The strikes came after security forces suffered heavy losses in recent bombings and gun battles near the Afghan border.

On Monday, the Ministry of Information confirmed that troops carried out a carefully planned ground operation around Kohat, Hangu and Thal. Fighter jets followed up with precise strikes on militant hideouts in the same belt.

Officials said the ground raid took place on September 20 in Kohat and Hangu. Nine militants were killed during the operation, and several others were left wounded.

The government also confirmed a separate round of strikes along the border with Afghanistan. These were based on credible intelligence and aimed at camps run by Fitna al Khwarij and its affiliates.

Three major targets were destroyed in this second round, including a training centre used to prepare suicide bombers. At least 28 militants lost their lives in these strikes, along with several bombers who were readying for future attacks.

Large stockpiles of weapons and ammunition stored at these hideouts were also wiped out. Officials said every precaution was taken to avoid harming innocent people during the operation.

The Ministry of Information stressed that Pakistan remains committed to peace in the region. At the same time, it made clear that protecting Pakistani citizens will always come first.

In the aftermath of recent multiple terrorist incidents inside Pakistan against the innocent people of Khyber Pakthunkhwa, a well planned intelligence based ground operation was carried out by security forces around Kohat, Hangu and Thal, followed by calibrated Air Strikes…

— Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (@MoIB_Official) September 21, 2026

Officials raised concerns that Afghanistan continues to serve as a base for terrorism. They said most threats facing Pakistan today can be traced back across that border.

This latest action comes amid a sharp rise in violence across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Balochistan, which also shares a border with Afghanistan, has faced a similar spike in attacks since 2021.

A devastating attack on September 18 had already shaken the region before these strikes. Gunmen and a suicide bomber targeted the Kohat Police Lines during Friday prayers, killing at least 22 people, including 16 police officers.

More than 100 people were injured in that attack. It began when an explosive-laden vehicle rammed into the compound gate before blowing up near the entrance.

Just days earlier, security forces had stopped militants from disrupting traffic on the N-25 highway near Kalat. Five attackers were killed, and 23 hostages were safely rescued during that operation.

Later the same day, troops clashed with militants linked to the India-backed Fitna al Khawarij group in Hangu. Eight militants were killed, but six soldiers also lost their lives while defending their positions.

Among the fallen were Captain Abuzar Farooq and Lieutenant Sheraz Babar, who were leading their men from the front. Officials said their courage played a key role in pushing back the attackers.

As tensions continue along the border, Pakistan has signaled it will keep responding firmly to protect its people. The Pakistan Afghanistan airstrikes mark another step in this ongoing fight against militancy in the region.