Kabul: Pakistani forces reportedly launched airstrikes in multiple regions of eastern and southeastern Afghanistan, responding to recent suicide bombings in the area bordering Afghanistan.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the strikes were carried out after attacks in Pakistan, with the Pakistani Ministry of Information confirming the action.
Sources told TOLOnews that the airstrikes targeted the Khogyani district, Ghani Khel district, and Behsud district in Nangarhar province. In Behsud district, a civilian home belonging to an individual identified as Shahabuddin was hit. Additional airstrikes occurred in Barmal and Urgun districts in Paktika province, though no casualties were reported in these areas.
TOLOnews cited that a religious sermon was struck in Barmal district, leading to significant concerns. The Pakistani military confirmed that seven hideouts of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) were targeted. Nangarhar Police spokesperson Sayed Tayyeb Hammad reported that 23 family members were trapped under rubble in Behsud district, with four people rescued and ongoing search operations.
Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the attacks, stating that Pakistani military actions violated Afghan territory, resulting in the death and injury of civilians, including women and children. He criticized Pakistani generals for compensating for internal security issues through such actions.
The Pakistani Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated that the airstrikes were a response to recent suicide bombings in Pakistan. They emphasized that the strikes targeted terrorist camps and hideouts associated with the Pakistani Taliban and ISKP. Pakistan urged the interim Afghan government to prevent the use of its soil by terrorists against Pakistan, asserting the importance of protecting its citizens.
This military operation follows Pakistan’s vow to avenge the deaths of two security personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, underscoring its stance against attacks originating from Afghan territory.