Pakistan carries out strikes along Afghan border to target ‘seven terrorist camps’

Pakistan said early Sunday its armed forces carried out strikes along the Pakistan Afghanistan border to target terrorist hideouts.

The strikes came after a surge in terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

“In the aftermath of recent suicide bombing incidents in Pakistan, including Imam Bargah at Islamabad, one each in Bajaur and Bannu followed by another incident today in Bannu during the holy month of Ramzan, Pakistan has conclusive evidence that these acts of terrorism were perpetrated by Khwarij on behest of their Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.

“Responsibilities for these attacks were also claimed by Afghanistan based Pakistani Taliban belonging to Fitna al Khwarij (FAK) and their affiliates, and Islamic State of Khorsan Province (ISKP).

“Despite repeated efforts by Pakistan to urge the Afghan Taliban Regime to take verifiable measures to deny use of Afghan Territory by terrorist groups and foreign proxies to carry out Terrorist activities in Pakistan, the Afghan Taliban Regime failed to undertake any substantive action against them.

“Pakistan has always strived for maintaining peace and stability in the region, but at the same time the safety and security of our citizens remains our top priority. In this back drop, Pakistan in a retributive response, has carried out intelligence based selective targeting of seven Terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Pakistani Taliban of FAK and its affiliates and ISKP at the border region of Pakistan Afghan border with precision and accuracy,” Pakistan’s Information ministry said in a statement.

“Pakistan expects and reiterates Interim Afghan Government to fulfil its obligations and deny use of its soil by Khwarij and terrorists against Pakistan as the safety and security of people of Pakistan comes first and foremost.

“Pakistan also expects the international community to play a positive and constructive role by urging the Taliban regime to stand by its commitments as part of Doha Agreement to deny use of its soil against other countries; an act vital for regional and global peace and security,” the ministry said.