On the night of October 17, a major counterterrorism operation led to the elimination of 70 terrorists from the Gul Bahadur group (HBG), including several key commanders. These highly targeted precision strikes took place on their hideouts in Paktika and were part of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to dismantle cross-border terror networks and ensure national security.
This operation is seen as a clear response to Pakistan’s recent vow to act decisively against cross-border terror sanctuaries. In line with its firm commitment, Pakistan has repeatedly emphasized to the regional powers and the Afghan Taliban, that it will target any camps or safe havens used for launching terror attacks into Pakistan. The operation on the night of October 17 is an example of Pakistan following through on this pledge.
The precision strikes were based on credible intelligence and took out multiple senior figures within the Gul Bahadur group. Among the 70 terrorists killed were several high-ranking commanders responsible for coordinating deadly attacks inside Pakistan, particularly in the border regions. The group has long been known for infiltrating from Afghanistan to carry out terror attacks inside Pakistan.
The operation’s success was compounded by the foiling of a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack in Khadi, North Waziristan, attempted by the same group. Though the attack was thwarted by Pakistani security forces, the blast still resulted in the tragic martyrdom of three women, two children, and one soldier.
Key commanders killed during the precision strikes include:
Farman (alias Al-Karama), a top leader of the group
Sadiqullah Dawar, senior operational commander
Ghazi Madakhel, responsible for coordinating cross-border attacks
Muqarrab, logistics officer
Qismatullah, bomb-making expert
Additional senior members who lost their lives in the operation are Gulab alias Deewana, Rehmani, Adil, and Fazlur Rehman, the latter being a relative of the group’s leader, Gul Bahadur. Ashiqullah alias Kausar and Younas, both senior operatives, were also eliminated in the strikes.
This major operational success is a serious blow to the Gul Bahadur group, dealing a significant disruption to their network and operational capabilities. Security officials have stressed that this targeted strike severely weakens their ability to carry out future attacks in the region, making it more difficult for them to regroup.
The operation serves as a direct and decisive action by Pakistan to target cross-border terror sanctuaries, a policy it has vowed to uphold. With these strategic strikes, Pakistan sends a strong message to terror groups and regional actors that it will continue to take unilateral action to secure its borders and protect its citizens.
