Pakistan forces launch ‘debilitating’ cross-border action against Afghan Taliban

Pakistan forces Afghan Taliban

Pakistan’s armed forces say they carried out what they described as “debilitating punishment” operations against the Afghan Taliban, along parts of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Balochistan.

The military said the action targeted positions on Tuesday, linked to Tehreek-e-Taliban Afghanistan (TTA).

It accused the group of providing support and safe havens to militants involved in attacks inside Pakistan, including members of the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

According to the statement, the operations took place during the night of March 4 and March 5, 2026.

What the military says happened

According to the statement, more than 55 locations were engaged in what officials described as a wide-ranging operation.

The military said it used a combination of direct and indirect fire weapons, as well as heavier systems, including artillery and drones.

Several sectors in Balochistan were named in the statement, including areas in Zhob, Qila Saifullah, Pishin, Chiltan Ranges and Naushki. Specific posts and checkpoints were also listed as targets.

The military said the action was aimed at what it called “perpetrators, abettors and facilitators of terrorism”. It added that operations would continue until the stated objectives were achieved.

Background to the tensions

Security along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has remained fragile in recent years.

Islamabad has repeatedly accused militants of using Afghan territory to plan and launch attacks inside Pakistan.

The Afghan Taliban authorities have previously denied allowing their soil to be used against other countries.

Balochistan has also seen a long-running insurgency, with separatist groups carrying out attacks on security forces and infrastructure.

The BLA is among the groups banned by the Pakistani government.

Pakistan’s military said its actions were intended to defend the country’s sovereignty and restore deterrence along the border.

Also read: How to get Rs450,000 with PM’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme?