Pakistan’s armed forces counterattack destroyed 73 Afghan Taliban military posts and captured 18 others during a cross-border operation, killing 274 terrorist fighters and wounding more than 400, in operation Ghazab lil-Haq.

The operation Ghazab lil-Haq was launched in response to unprovoked aggression by the Afghan Taliban on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Armed forces said counter-attacks were carried out at various locations inside Afghanistan, including in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia, targeting military installations. 12 Pakistani soldiers were martyred, and one was wounded during the fighting.

Security sources said five Afghan posts were captured in Paktia, where the Pakistani flag was raised.

They said two posts opposite Shawal, two opposite Angoor Ada and one opposite Zarmelan were seized. The Afghan terminal at Angoor Ada was also destroyed.

According to the military, 27 Afghan Taliban posts, including Charlie Post and Babri Post, were destroyed, while nine were captured.

Pakistan state television reported that Afghan Taliban forces had hoisted white flags at some posts in response to the retaliation.

It said two corps headquarters, three brigade headquarters, three battalion headquarters, two sector headquarters, two ammunition depots and a logistics base were also destroyed.

More than 80 tanks, artillery guns and armoured personnel carriers were destroyed during the operation, according to the armed forces.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said in a post on social media platform X that counter-attacks inside Afghanistan were ongoing and had caused heavy losses to Taliban forces. He described the operation as a prompt and effective response to alleged cross-border firing by the Afghan Taliban.

Tarar said two corps headquarters, three brigade headquarters, three battalion headquarters and two sector headquarters were targeted, along with two weapons depots and a logistics base. More than 80 tanks, cannons and armoured vehicles were destroyed, he added.

Security sources said an attempt by Afghan Taliban fighters to attack Pakistani check posts using quadcopters was foiled, and the drones were shot down.

They said Afghan forces opened fire at several points along the border, including in the Nawagai sector in Bajaur, Tirah in Khyber, Mohmand district and Arandu sector in Chitral. Pakistani forces targeted and destroyed Afghan checkpoints in response.

Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said on social media that Pakistani airstrikes had taken place in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia.

Journalists from AFP reported hearing loud explosions in Kabul on Friday morning, followed by the sound of fighter jets and sustained gunfire.

Residents said blasts echoed across parts of the city for about 40 minutes.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a statement that Pakistan’s armed forces were fully prepared to defend the country’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Our forces are fully capable of crushing any aggressive intentions,” he said, adding that there would be no compromise on the country’s integrity.

President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan would not compromise on peace, stability and territorial integrity, and warned that those responsible for continued bloodshed would not be beyond reach.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the Afghan Taliban had made a “serious mistake” by attacking and would face consequences.

Officials said security forces remained on high alert along the western border and operations were continuing, with the situation evolving rapidly.

Security sources said mortar shells fired by Afghan Taliban forces landed in Bajaur’s Laghrai area, injuring five people, including three women, who were taken to the hospital for treatment.

They also said that Afghan forces targeted a mosque in Bajaur, damaging its roof and structure.