Pakistani strikes kill dozens in Afghanistan; Taliban government claims civilians died
Pakistan has conducted airstrikes along the Afghanistan border, killing dozens, with the Taliban government asserting that civilians were among the casualties, while Pakistan maintains it targeted militants.
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Pakistan recently conducted a series of airstrikes along its border with Afghanistan, which Islamabad stated were precision operations targeting militant hideouts and safe havens of groups responsible for recent attacks within Pakistan. Pakistan's Information Minister confirmed a ground operation followed by strikes, reportedly killing 29 militants. These actions were presented as a response to escalating cross-border terrorism.
However, the Taliban government in Afghanistan strongly condemned the strikes, alleging that the attacks resulted in significant civilian casualties. Afghan officials reported that at least 36 civilians were killed and over 160 wounded in the three eastern provinces affected by the airstrikes. The Taliban described the military action as a "cowardly act of aggression."
These latest strikes mark a further escalation in the strained relationship between Pakistan and the Taliban authorities, with cross-border military actions and accusations of harboring militants continuing to fuel tensions along the frontier for months.
What each outlet emphasizes
- BBC: Pakistani strikes kill dozens in Afghanistan, Taliban government says civilians killed, Pakistan maintains they targeted militants
- The Guardian: Pakistan carries out deadly airstrikes along Afghanistan border