Pakistan's security forces conducted an intelligence-based ground operation and calibrated precision airstrikes along the border with Afghanistan on Sunday. These operations, which targeted militant hideouts in eastern Afghanistan, resulted in the deaths of up to 29 fighters. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated the action was launched in response to multiple militant attacks across the country.
The strikes occurred a day after militants attacked a Rangers regional headquarters in the southern port city of Karachi, killing three paramilitary soldiers and wounding four others. In a separate incident on Saturday night, Pakistani security forces foiled another attack in Karachi, killing three assailants and capturing one injured attacker.
Afghanistan's ruling Taliban condemned the military actions as a cowardly act of aggression and accused Pakistan of causing civilian casualties. In contrast, Islamabad stated the strikes targeted militant groups linked to cross-border violence.
The latest escalation follows months of tit-for-tat military action between the two countries. Since February, when Afghanistan launched retaliatory strikes after Pakistan carried out airstrikes inside Afghan territory, hundreds of people have been killed in cross-border fighting.