Pakistan conducted airstrikes in the Afghan border provinces of Kunar and Paktika on Monday, claiming that 28 militants were killed. The strikes targeted what Pakistan's Ministry of Information described as suicide bomber training facilities. In contrast, the Taliban government in Afghanistan reported that three civilians died as a result of the strikes.
This operation was the first of its kind since June and followed an attack on police in Kohat, Pakistan. Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated that the airstrikes were executed with 'precision and accuracy,' destroying three targets, including a training facility for suicide bombers, and also destroying large quantities of weapons and ammunition.
Afghanistan's deputy government spokesperson, Hamdullah Fitrat, reported that one strike occurred at approximately 3:00 am local time in Kunar's Nurgal district, which he claimed 'completely destroyed' a house, resulting in three deaths and four injuries. He also mentioned that two other locations in Paktika were hit, including a shop and an unoccupied house.
The conflicting casualty figures from both sides could not be independently verified. The airstrikes followed a suicide bombing and a prolonged gun battle in Kohat, Pakistan, on Friday, which resulted in at least 31 fatalities, including 16 police officers. The local militant group Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan, linked to Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for that attack.
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been strained since the Taliban regained control in 2021, with tensions escalating following a series of militant attacks. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring militant groups responsible for attacks within its territory, particularly the TTP and Baloch separatist groups. The Taliban has rejected these allegations, stating that Pakistan's militancy issues are internal problems.