Afghan forces on Saturday opened unprovoked fire at multiple locations along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, prompting a strong and immediate response from the Pakistan Army, security sources said.

According to the sources, Afghan forces targeted border posts at Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral, and Baramcha in Balochistan.

The firing, they added, appeared aimed at providing cover for militant formations attempting to cross into Pakistan.

Pakistan Army troops, positioned at alert posts, responded swiftly and effectively, engaging Afghan positions in a decisive counter-action that continued for several hours.

“Multiple Afghan border posts were destroyed and several Afghan soldiers and militants were killed,” the sources claimed, adding that Taliban fighters abandoned several posts and fled, leaving behind casualties.

The sources further noted that the cross-border aggression coincided with the visit of Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, to India.

Forces target Daesh hideouts

Security officials said Pakistan’s ongoing retaliatory operation also includes precision strikes on terrorist camps and Daesh hideouts located close to the border inside Afghanistan.

“Afghan forces have retreated from several areas, while Pakistan’s effective and intense counteraction is still underway,” the sources added.

According to security sources, Pakistan is employing artillery, tanks, and both light and heavy weapons in the ongoing operations.

In addition, aerial assets and drones are being used to target Daesh and “Khawarij” hideouts inside Afghanistan, the sources said.

The sources further added that Pakistani strikes are also hitting those Afghan military headquarters which have long provided shelter and support to Daesh and “Fitna al-Khawarij” elements.