Pakistan security forces conducted precise strikes on the night of October 17th, eliminating over 70 militants from the Kharji Gul Bahadur group in Paktika, Afghanistan, according to security officials cited by ISPR. The operation targeted terrorist hideouts, successfully neutralizing key commanders and operatives of a group linked to numerous attacks within Pakistan. These operations, which occurred on the night of October 17th, also resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking terrorist ringleaders, including Kharji Farman alias Al-Karama, Kharji Sadiqullah Dawar, Kharji Ghazi Madakhel, Kharji Muqarrab, and Kharji Qismatullah, security officials confirmed. Other militants killed in the strikes included Kharji Gulab alias Deewana, Kharji Rehmani, Kharji Adil, and Kharji Fazlur Rehman, who was identified as a close relative of Kharji Gul Bahadur. Kharji Ashiqullah alias Kausar and Kharji Younas also reportedly died in the operation. The Kharji Gul Bahadur group had previously attempted a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack in Khadi, North Waziristan, on October 17th, which was foiled. However, that foiled attack led to the martyrdom of three women, two children, and one soldier, according to security officials. The elimination of these militants is considered a significant operational success against the network, as stated by security officials. These developments occur amidst ongoing discussions between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Doha, where Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and DG ISI Lt. General Asim Malik have reiterated Pakistan's stance to retaliate against all acts of terrorism. This follows a drone attack in Pakistan's Bajaur district on October 18th, 2025, at 7:30 PM UTC, which injured security personnel and killed one. During the Doha talks, the Afghan delegation reportedly expressed an inability to take decisive action against the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), leading Pakistan to propose joint operations or tacit approval for targeted strikes if the Taliban lack the capacity, according to sources.
