ISLAMABAD: Pakistani forces retaliated with heavy strikes on Afghan border posts and militant hideouts overnight after Afghan forces opened unprovoked fire at multiple border points, security sources said on Sunday.

According to officials, Afghan firing targeted positions in Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral, Baramcha and other locations in a bid to facilitate cross-border movement of Khawarij militants. Pakistan Army troops, already on alert, responded with “full force” and destroyed several Afghan posts, capturing 19.

Sources said multiple Taliban strongholds, including Duran Mela and Turkmanzai camps, Shahidan post, and facilities in Kurram and Jandosar, were levelled during the strikes. Heavy casualties were reported among Afghan troops and militants, with dozens killed. Taliban fighters abandoned bodies and weapons as they fled, they added.

Footage circulated on social media showed Pakistani forces targeting Afghan positions in the Kharlachi sector and raising the national flag on a captured post in Angoor Adda. Other videos purportedly showed Taliban fighters surrendering as their posts were abandoned.

Among the destroyed positions were Kharcher Fort, Taliban’s Manojaba battalion headquarters, and Durrani camps I and II, said to be used as launchpads for cross-border attacks. Strikes also hit Leobund in Qila Abdullah, Chagai and Kunar, where Afghan posts and militant hideouts were pounded.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Kabul’s “unprovoked aggression” and praised the Pakistan Army for its “befitting response” under the leadership of Army Chief Gen Asim Munir. “There will be no compromise on Pakistan’s defence. Every provocation will be given an effective reply,” he said.

The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan had already shared information with Afghan authorities about militant groups operating from their soil, including Daesh and elements backed by India. He urged Kabul to ensure its territory was not used against Pakistan.