Pakistan Launches Military Strikes in Afghan Border Provinces
Pakistan initiated airstrikes and deployed ground troops into Afghan provinces situated along their shared western border on Sunday.
The Taliban government in Afghanistan stated the strikes hit civilian residences in the Paktia, Paktika and Kunar provinces. Officials informed media outlets that at least 100 individuals were killed or injured in the military action. According to the Taliban, casualties were highest in the Paktika village of Mandikhel. The Afghan administration officially condemned the cross-border operation.
Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar reported that 29 militants died when their hideouts were targeted. He described the operation as a direct response to recent terrorist activities. Independent journalists have not yet verified the casualty figures provided by either government.
The strikes follow an attack on Saturday at the Sindh Rangers headquarters in Karachi. Pakistan’s military confirmed three paramilitary members and three militants died in the suicide attack.
Officials stated a fourth suspect from Afghanistan was detained following the incident. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a splinter faction of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility. Both organisations are banned by Pakistan and the United Nations due to previous militant activities.
Pakistan frequently states that Afghanistan provides a safe haven for militants conducting cross-border operations. The Taliban administration rejects this claim. Conversely, authorities in Kabul allege Islamabad conducts operations that result in civilian fatalities. Pakistan maintains it solely targets insurgents.
A ceasefire agreed upon last October has since collapsed. Border violence has escalated in recent months with several notable incidents preceding Sunday’s strikes:
- February: Intermittent border clashes resulted in dozens of fatalities.
- March: A Pakistani strike on a Kabul drug rehabilitation centre caused hundreds of deaths.
- Early June: Airstrikes killed 26 militants according to Pakistan while the Taliban reported 13 civilian deaths.
From economics and politics to business, technology and culture, Kursiv Uzbekistan brings you key news and in-depth analysis from Uzbekistan and around the world. To stay up to date and get the latest stories in real time, follow our Telegram channelю
