36 Afghan civilians die in Pakistan air strikes, 160 injured: officials

Afghan officials reported that Pakistani forces conducted overnight ground operations and strikes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, resulting in the deaths of at least 36 civilians and injuring over 160 others. These actions, which occurred late Sunday, were followed by strikes targeting militant hideouts and safe havens, with Pakistan's Information Minister stating that 29 fighters were killed. The incidents have further escalated tensions between the two neighboring countries, with one Afghan official indicating that retaliation would follow.

Pakistani forces conducted ground operations and airstrikes in Afghanistan overnight, resulting in the deaths of at least 36 civilians and injuring over 160, according to Afghan officials. Pakistan stated the operations targeted militant hideouts in response to attacks within Pakistan, claiming 29 militants were killed. Afghanistan condemned the actions as an act of aggression and brutality, vowing retaliation. The strikes reportedly hit civilian homes in Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar provinces. Pakistan shared videos claiming to show strikes on militant camps, while Afghanistan denied any involvement in attacks on Pakistan. This escalation follows a period of increased cross-border military actions between the two nations.

Pakistan conducted airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan on Monday, targeting militants it blames for a deadly attack in Karachi over the weekend. Pakistan's information minister stated the operations targeted Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Fitna al-Khwarij. The Afghan government reported dozens of civilian casualties and condemned the action as aggression. These strikes are the latest in escalating tensions between the two nations, following a significant conflict in February. Pakistan claims its actions are necessary to combat militancy, while Afghanistan denies harboring militants and highlights civilian deaths from Pakistani operations. The relationship between the two countries has been strained since the Taliban's return to power in 2021.

Pakistan's security forces conducted ground and air strikes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, killing 29 fighters. This operation was a response to multiple attacks by armed groups across Pakistan, including a deadly assault in Karachi the previous day where three soldiers were killed. The strikes targeted hideouts and safe havens of the Pakistan Taliban in Afghan provinces of Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar. Authorities attribute most of the recent violence to the Pakistan Taliban and allied groups. The Karachi attack was claimed by Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a faction of the Pakistan Taliban. Security forces killed three attackers and apprehended an Afghan national in connection with the Karachi incident.