Pakistan Repels Taliban Attack, Captures 21 Afghan Posts

ISLAMABAD — The Inter‑Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Pakistan’s armed forces repelled an “unprovoked” coordinated assault by the Afghan Taliban and an Indian‑linked militant group on the night of 11–12 October 2025, destroying multiple enemy positions and briefly capturing 21 posts across the border.

In an official statement, the military said the attack included small raids and heavy firing aimed at destabilizing border areas and facilitating terrorist activity. Pakistan responded with precision fires, strikes and targeted raids against Taliban camps, training facilities and support networks it said were operating from Afghan soil, including elements linked to groups identified as Fitna al Khawarij (FAK), Fitna al Hindustan (FAH) and ISKP/Daesh.

Heavy casualties claimed; Pakistani losses reported

The ISPR reported significant losses among the attackers and gave tolls for both sides. It said more than 200 Taliban and affiliated militants were neutralized and that infrastructure at multiple camps and command posts suffered extensive damage. Pakistan’s forces briefly captured 21 hostile positions on the Afghan side and rendered several terrorist training camps inoperative, the statement added.

Read more: ‘Terrorism cannot be blamed on one party,’ PTI says after DG ISPR Presser

The military also confirmed its own casualties: 23 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 29 were wounded during the overnight clashes. The ISPR said all feasible measures were taken to avoid civilian harm.

Government message and diplomatic claims

The ISPR framed the operation as a lawful act of self‑defence to protect Pakistan’s territory and citizens. The statement accused the Taliban government of allowing its soil to be used by terrorist groups and claimed the attacks coincided with a visit by the Taliban foreign minister to India, which the ISPR described as “the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the region.” Those allegations were presented as part of the military’s official assessment.

The military called on the Taliban authorities to take “immediate and verifiable actions” to neutralize groups operating on Afghan territory. It warned that Pakistan will continue to exercise its right to defend itself if these threats persist.

Regional concerns and next steps

The ISPR said the operation sent a clear message that Pakistan will not tolerate the use of Afghan territory to plot attacks. It also emphasized that Pakistan prefers diplomacy and dialogue but will act decisively to protect its people.

The statement did not provide independent verification of the militants’ deaths or the identities of all those targeted. It also did not include a response from Afghan authorities or external confirmations. International and regional actors are likely to monitor the situation closely for any diplomatic fallout or further escalation along the Durand Line.

Authorities said sanitization and clearance operations along the border will continue as needed and that investigations and damage assessments remain underway.