Pakistan launches 'precision strikes' on Gul Bahadur group in Afghanistan amid fragile ceasefire talks

Pakistan carried out precision airstrikes on Friday targeting the Gul Bahadur faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating inside Afghanistan, security sources said, as both countries engaged in delicate ceasefire negotiations in Doha.

Ten civilians were killed and a dozen more were wounded in the strikes, an official at the Paktika provincial hospital said.

"In the airstrike on Urgun district, 10 civilians were killed and 12 others wounded," he told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding that two children were among the dead.

Earlier today, a senior Taliban official accused Pakistan of breaking a 48-hour ceasefire that had brought two days of calm to the border, and warned that Kabul would "retaliate."

The Pakistani security sources said the strikes hit militant hideouts along the Afghan side of the North and South Waziristan border, destroying several camps belonging to the Gul Bahadur group – a faction of the TTP blamed for multiple recent attacks inside Pakistan.

“Pakistan has struck external militant bases belonging to the Gul Bahadur group located inside Afghanistan’s border region with North and South Waziristan,” security sources said.

According to the sources, over the past 48 hours, militants based in Afghanistan attempted several cross-border attacks inside Pakistan but were repelled through “timely and effective” military responses.

“As a result of these counteractions, more than 100 militants have been eliminated in the last 48 hours,” the source added.

Failed attack in North Waziristan

Security sources said the Gul Bahadur group also launched a failed car-borne attack earlier Friday in North Waziristan. One Pakistani soldier was killed and several others were wounded in the assault.

Sources described the subsequent airstrikes as “precision strikes,” saying they were carried out with high accuracy based on confirmed intelligence.

“Intelligence reports confirm that over 60 militants, including key commanders of the Gul Bahadur faction, were killed in the operation,” sources said.

Escalating border tensions

The strikes come amid heightened tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border following deadly clashes earlier this month.

Hostilities flared in early October when Pakistan allegedly launched air raids on TTP hideouts in Afghanistan’s Khost and Paktika provinces. Kabul condemned the attacks as a violation of its sovereignty, triggering days of cross-border fire.

Pakistan reported 23 soldiers killed, while Afghan officials said at least 15 civilians and militants were among the dead, with hundreds injured on both sides.

The violence led to the closure of major border crossings, further straining Afghanistan’s economy, which heavily depends on trade with Pakistan.

Ceasefire and Doha talks

A 48-hour ceasefire, arranged with mediation reportedly involving Qatar and Saudi Arabia, began on October 15. On Friday, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to extend the truce until the conclusion of ongoing talks in Doha, Reuters reported, citing Pakistani and Afghan officials.

According to the report, a Pakistani delegation has arrived in the Qatari capital, while an Afghan delegation is expected on Saturday. However, Pakistani security officials denied this, saying the team will depart for Doha on Sunday morning.

Both sides have committed to avoiding further escalation during the talks, which are being facilitated by friendly nations, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told Ariana News that Kabul had instructed its forces to uphold the ceasefire “as long as Pakistan refrains from any attack.”

Pakistan confirms dialogue

Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan confirmed that Pakistan and Afghanistan are “engaged in direct talks to de-escalate border tensions,” adding that friendly nations are working behind the scenes to ease friction.

He accused India of attempting to destabilize the region by supporting militant groups operating from Afghan territory but reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to diplomacy.

“Pakistan will take all necessary measures to safeguard the lives and property of its citizens and protect national security,” Khan said at a weekly press briefing.

He rejected reports that Islamabad had downgraded diplomatic ties with Kabul. “There is absolutely no truth to such claims. Pakistan continues to maintain full diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan,” he said.

Khan added that the current 48-hour ceasefire was initiated at the Taliban’s request, reiterating Islamabad’s desire for regional stability through dialogue.

*With additional input from AFP