Arabic version: باكستان تشن غارات جوية على أفغانستان، طالبان تُبلغ عن وقوع إصابات

Pakistan has carried out multiple overnight air strikes on Afghanistan, targeting alleged militant camps near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The Taliban has reported that these strikes resulted in dozens of casualties, including women and children. According to BBC News, Islamabad stated that the attacks were launched after recent suicide bombings in Pakistan.

The strikes reportedly targeted seven alleged militant camps and hideouts in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. Officials in Nangarhar indicated that one of the strikes hit the home of a man named Shahabuddin, resulting in about 20 family members being killed, including women and children. Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting characterized the operations as “intelligence based selective targeting” of terrorist camps affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and the Islamic State-Khorasan Province.

The Afghan government condemned the air strikes, asserting that they struck civilian homes and a religious school. The Taliban’s defense ministry labeled the actions as a “blatant violation of Afghanistan’s territorial integrity” and a “clear breach of international law.” They warned that a “measured response” would be forthcoming, criticizing the Pakistani military’s failure in intelligence and security.

These military actions follow a fragile ceasefire agreed upon in October after significant cross-border clashes. However, the recent strikes highlight ongoing tensions between the two nations, particularly regarding accusations that the Afghan Taliban has not adequately addressed militant activities within its borders. The situation remains complex as both countries navigate their shared border, which spans approximately 1,600 miles.