Pakistan kills over 100 militants on Afghan soil after shrine blast

More than 100 "terrorists" apparently hiding in Afghanistan have been killed by Pakistani army, a day after a deadly suicide bomb attack killed 88 people.

A Geo TV report said four camps of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar group were attacked across the border. The group's deputy commander Adil Bacha was one of those killed in the military crackdown.

The report cited military sources as saying that the crackdown took place last night.

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"The intelligence-based operation and combining operations are in progress across the country, including Punjab. Over 100 terrorists have been killed since last night and sizeable apprehensions also made. Details will be shared," a Pakistani army spokesman said, Xinhua reported.

This is the first time Pakistan has entered Afghanistan to swoop down on Afghan-based militants, raising the potential of escalating a stand-off between the two countries.

The spokesperson blamed Afghanistan for providing safe haven for militants plotting to launch attacks across the border.

Islamabad has handed Kabul a list of 76 militants hiding in Afghanistan.

On February 16, a bomb attack carried out by Islamic State ripped through a Muslim shrine in Pakistan's Sindh province.

Since, Pakistan has sealed two border routes leading to Afghanistan -- one in Torkham and one in Chaman border -- which has affected bilateral trade.

The closure is also seen as a tactic to pressure Kabul to hand over the terrorists staying in their country.

(WION)