Pakistan conducts cross-border airstrikes
Pakistani fighter jets carried out pre-dawn airstrikes in eastern and southeastern Afghanistan on Sunday, targeting what Islamabad described as militant bases. Afghan authorities, however, said civilians were killed in the attacks and warned of retaliation.
In a statement posted on X, Pakistan’s Information Ministry said the strikes hit 'seven terrorist camps and hideouts' linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Islamic State Khorasan Province. Islamabad claimed it had “conclusive evidence” that recent suicide attacks, including one in the capital, were planned from Afghan territory.
State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry told Geo News that preliminary assessments indicated at least 70 militants were killed.
Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry rejected Pakistan’s account, saying women and children were among the dead and injured. Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid and defence spokesperson Enayatullah Khwarazmi both reported dozens of civilian casualties.
The Foreign Ministry in Kabul summoned Pakistan’s ambassador, Ubaid Ur Rehman Nizamani, and lodged a formal protest. Officials said an “appropriate and measured response” would be taken at a time of their choosing.
According to TOLO News, the strikes hit districts in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, including Khogyani, Ghani Khel, Behsud, Barmal and Urgun.
The escalation comes amid a surge in militant violence inside Pakistan, which Islamabad blames on fighters operating from Afghanistan. Kabul has repeatedly denied allowing its soil to be used for attacks.
A ceasefire brokered by Qatar after deadly border clashes last October had largely held, but follow-up talks in Istanbul failed to yield a lasting agreement.
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