Pakistan carried out overnight airstrikes along its border with Afghanistan, targeting what officials described as militant hideouts near Afghanistan’s Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the strikes hit approximately seven locations.
Authorities stated the targets included facilities allegedly linked to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Islamabad refers to as “Fitna al-Khawarij,” as well as affiliated groups and fighters associated with Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP).
Pakistani officials said the operation was aimed at disrupting networks responsible for a recent increase in militant attacks inside the country. In recent weeks, Islamabad and other cities have experienced a series of suicide bombings and security incidents.
ISKP has claimed responsibility for some of those attacks. Pakistani authorities say evidence indicates involvement of additional armed groups operating from across the border.
Pakistan has repeatedly called on Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration to take action against militant groups it says are using Afghan territory to plan and launch attacks against Pakistan. Islamabad has also warned Kabul to prevent its territory from being used for cross-border operations.
The Taliban government in Afghanistan condemned the strikes. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistani forces of violating Afghan sovereignty and conducting bombings in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. He said dozens of civilians, including women and children, were killed or injured.
Mujahid also alleged that Pakistan’s military leadership was attempting to shift focus from its internal security challenges by escalating tensions along the border. The incident adds to ongoing tensions between the two neighboring countries.
In recent years, both sides have exchanged accusations over cross-border militant activity and security responsibilities. Analysts say continued military action and rising rhetoric could further strain diplomatic relations and complicate security cooperation in the region.
