By Aqeel Yousafzai
On Tuesday evening, the Pakistan Air Force carried out operations in the Bermal district of Afghanistan’s Paktika province, bordering Waziristan. The strikes reportedly eliminated dozens, including four key commanders of the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as Khawarij. According to media reports, three to four different sites were targeted, which not only housed TTP militants but also a suicide unit where bombers were trained.
Intelligence-based aerial operations targeted and killed prominent commanders, including Sher Zaman Mukhles Yar, the head of the suicide unit, Akhtar Muhammad alias Khalil, Izhar alias Hamza, and Shoaib Muhammad. Video clips from the scene show a person confirming that their “camp” was struck, causing heavy casualties, including the death of their leader.
The Afghan government acknowledged the attacks and lodged a protest, claiming that the strikes hit an area housing refugees from Waziristan. However, Pakistani security sources and local reports stated that these were long-standing TTP strongholds. They further revealed that the recruitment and planning for Monday’s attack on forces in South Waziristan’s Makeen area, which resulted in the martyrdom of 16 security personnel, also took place in Bermal.
Security officials refuted claims of civilian casualties, stating that the strikes were based on verified intelligence and targeted TTP positions responsible for repeated cross-border attacks on North and South Waziristan. Local sources reported that over 50 people were killed.
According to U.S. media, three to four sites were targeted. Some commanders were residing with their families, so Afghan claims about civilian casualties may refer to the families of these militants. Reports suggest hundreds of militants from outlawed groups, including the TTP, Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, and Lashkar-e-Islam, have been living in Afghan provinces such as Paktika, Khost, Paktia, and Nangarhar.
In March 2024, Pakistan conducted similar airstrikes on such hideouts. At that time, the Afghan government also denied that the strikes targeted terrorists. A similar stance has been taken regarding Tuesday’s strikes. Reports also confirm that TTP’s “Umar Media” facilities were destroyed during the latest operations.
Sadiq Khan’s Kabul Visit
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Muhammad Sadiq Khan, visited Kabul on Tuesday and held significant meetings with Afghan ministers and officials. This was the first formal contact between the two countries in recent times.
Sadiq Khan and his team met key figures, including Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Discussions reportedly focused on security matters, trade, travel regulations, and the return of Afghan refugees. Speaking on the occasion, Sadiq Khan emphasized that Afghanistan’s security and stability are crucial for Pakistan. He stressed the need to remove barriers to better relations between the two nations.
He noted that improved ties would facilitate travel and boost trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Political analysts consider this visit significant, especially amid strained relations due to cross-border attacks by the TTP since August 2024. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan’s interim government of failing to act against the TTP and other militant groups.
Observers were surprised by Pakistan’s decision to carry out strikes in Bermal during Sadiq Khan’s Kabul visit. Analysts believe Pakistan aimed to send a message that it has multiple options available. If Afghanistan continued to deny involvement in attacks on Pakistan during discussions, Pakistan could cite the presence of TTP commanders killed in Bermal as evidence.
It is worth noting that Pakistan has previously targeted several commanders in Afghanistan. However, this operation is seen as the second major offensive since March this year.