# Pakistan: 100 Terrorists Killed in Anti-Terror Ops in 48 Hours – Escalating Border Tensions with Afghanistan
In a dramatic escalation along the volatile Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Pakistani security forces have launched a series of precision strikes and ground operations, claiming to have neutralized over 100 terrorists in just 48 hours. This comes amid heightened accusations from Islamabad that Kabul is providing safe havens to militant groups launching attacks on Pakistani soil. The operations, focused on the restive North and South Waziristan regions, highlight the fragile security situation in South Asia and the ongoing struggle against cross-border terrorism. As of October 18, 2025, these actions have not only inflicted heavy losses on militant outfits but also strained diplomatic ties, leading to canceled sports events and urgent talks.
## The Volatile Pak-Afghan Border: A Hotbed of Militancy
The Durand Line, the porous 2,670-kilometer border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has long been a flashpoint for conflict. Since the Taliban's return to power in Kabul in 2021, tensions have simmered due to Pakistan's claims that Afghan territory is being used as a launchpad for attacks by groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group (HGB). The TTP, often dubbed "Fitna Al-Khwarij" by Pakistani authorities, ended its ceasefire with Islamabad in November 2022, leading to a surge in attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan.
The HGB, a splinter faction affiliated with the TTP, has been particularly active in border areas, conducting suicide bombings and IED attacks on Pakistani forces. Recent weeks have seen intensified clashes, with Pakistan accusing the Afghan Taliban of harboring these militants under alleged Indian patronage. This backdrop set the stage for the latest operations, triggered by a series of attacks from the Afghan side, including an IED blast in North Waziristan that killed one Pakistani soldier and injured several others.
## The 48-Hour Blitz: Operations and Casualties
Pakistan's response was swift and multifaceted, involving airstrikes, drone attacks, and ground assaults. The operations began late at night and targeted terrorist hideouts in the border areas of North and South Waziristan, extending into Afghan territory adjacent to these districts.
- **Airstrikes and Drone Operations**: Pakistan's air force conducted precision strikes inside Afghanistan, eliminating 60-70 terrorists, including senior HGB leaders and suicide bombers. These strikes hit positions in Afghanistan's Paktika province, where militants were allegedly planning incursions.
- **Ground Operations**: Intelligence-based raids in Pakistan's KP province, including Spinwam in North Waziristan, South Waziristan, and Bannu, resulted in the deaths of dozens more militants. In total, 34 TTP terrorists were killed across these areas between Monday and Wednesday. Sanitization efforts continue to clear any remaining threats.
- **Total Casualties**: Over 100 terrorists neutralized, with minimal Pakistani losses—one soldier killed in the initial IED attack. No civilian casualties were reported by Pakistan, though Afghan sources claim eight deaths, including three cricketers, in the Paktika strikes.
These actions occurred despite a 48-hour ceasefire agreed upon with Afghanistan, which militants allegedly violated by attempting attacks on Pakistani forces.
## Government Statements and Denials
Pakistan's leadership has been vocal in framing these operations as defensive measures to protect sovereignty. Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar emphasized that the strikes targeted only terrorists and denied claims of civilian targeting as "propaganda" from militant sympathizers. The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DGISPR) confirmed the airstrikes' success, noting they were based on credible intelligence.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reiterated that security forces have full authority to combat terrorism. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif went further, urging all Afghans in Pakistan to return home and accusing Kabul of acting as an Indian proxy. On the Afghan side, the Taliban has described the raids as retaliatory, while denying harboring terrorists.
## Broader Implications: Diplomatic Fallout and Regional Stability
The operations have rippled beyond the battlefield. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) withdrew from a T20I tri-series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka after the Paktika strikes killed three Afghan cricketers, underscoring the human cost and diplomatic strain. Upcoming talks in Doha between Pakistan and Afghanistan aim to de-escalate border clashes that have claimed dozens of lives on both sides.
Regionally, this surge in violence exacerbates Pakistan's internal security challenges. Terrorism fatalities in Pakistan have risen since 2020, with 971 deaths in 2022 alone. Critics argue that while military action is necessary, sustainable peace requires addressing root causes like ungoverned spaces in Afghanistan and potential foreign sponsorship. India, often accused by Pakistan of backing anti-Pakistan groups, remains a silent stakeholder in this narrative.
| Aspect | Details |
|--------|---------|
| **Targeted Groups** | Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group (HGB), Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) |
| **Locations** | North Waziristan (Spinwam), South Waziristan, Bannu (Pakistan); Paktika (Afghanistan) |
| **Terrorist Casualties** | 100+ (70+ in airstrikes, dozens in ground ops) |
| **Pakistani Casualties** | 1 soldier killed, several injured |
| **Diplomatic Impact** | Ceasefire violated; Cricket series canceled; Doha talks scheduled |
## Conclusion: A Step Toward Security or Fueling the Fire?
Pakistan's decisive operations mark a significant blow to militant networks, potentially disrupting their ability to launch cross-border attacks. However, without genuine dialogue and cooperation between Islamabad and Kabul, such actions risk perpetuating a cycle of retaliation. As Tarar noted, the long-term solution lies in controlling non-state actors and fostering bilateral trust. With terrorism showing no signs of abating—Pakistan faced its peak attacks in 2010—the region watches closely as these events unfold, hoping for stability amid the chaos.
