Pakistan announced Sunday it launched multiple airstrikes targeting militants in Afghanistan. The Afghan government reported dozens killed and wounded, including children, in overnight attacks along the border.
Islamabad stated it hit seven sites along the border region, targeting Afghanistan-based militant groups, including the Pakistani Taliban and an Islamic State affiliate. These strikes were described as a response to recent suicide bombing incidents within Pakistan.
Afghanistan's government condemned the strikes, which hit Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, claiming civilian lives. Government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid criticized the actions as an attempt by "Pakistani generals to compensate for their country's security weaknesses through such crimes."
An Afghan security source reported twelve children and teenagers were among seventeen killed when a house was targeted in Bihsud district, Nangarhar.
The two nations have faced escalating disputes and deadly border clashes since the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan in 2021. Pakistan asserts the Taliban authorities have failed to act against militant groups operating from Afghan territory. The strikes were reportedly in retaliation for a suicide bombing in Islamabad two weeks prior and other recent attacks.