Pakistan’s latest military operation along the Afghanistan border has delivered four coordinated air strikes that destroyed four militant hideouts, killing 26 insurgents. The strikes, launched on Wednesday, involved precision bombs that targeted a training centre and an ammunition cache, according to Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the attacks, noting that 13 Afghan civilians—including 11 children, a woman, and an elderly man—were killed. “The Afghan government has repeatedly stated that its territory is not used to threaten other countries,” he said.
Pakistan’s accusations of Afghanistan harboring militants are not new. The two governments had agreed on a cease‑fire in October after weeks of deadly clashes; the latest strikes are the first since February’s intense fighting that left hundreds dead on both sides.
Tarar said the attacks were a response to “recent terrorist incidents in Pakistan” and aimed at neutralising “hideouts and safe havens” that threaten Pakistani citizens. He also emphasised the country’s commitment to maintaining peace while prioritising national security.
The renewed hostilities have drawn concern from international leaders who urge both sides to resume talks and re‑establish the silence pact. The region’s fragile peace remains at risk, as the border continues to be a flashpoint for cross‑border insurgencies and geopolitical tensions.
For more background on why Pakistan and Afghanistan have been in conflict, see Why are Afghanistan and Pakistan fighting?
