In another escalation, Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan killed 22 people and injured more than 11 on Thursday. Earlier, the Afghan Taliban government said at least 11 people were killed in the fresh airstrikes by the Pakistani military. However, later in a statement, Pakistan claimed it has killed at least 22 "terrorists" and destroyed large quantity of arms and ammunition. The Pakistani claims are yet to be verified by the Afghan side.
In a post on X, the Pakistani information ministry said, “In continuation of Operation Ghazab lil Haq and Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate terrorists, their networks and supporters, well-planned and calibrated aerial strikes against the hideouts and safe havens of terrorist organisations of Fitna al Khwarij and Fitna al Hindustan have been conducted, killing multiple terrorists.”
Notably, Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The ministry added that the targets were destroyed with precision, with initial reports suggesting the killing of 22 terrorists. “Large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored at these hideouts were also destroyed,” it said.
In contrast, Afghanistani side shared pictures of innocent women and children who were killed in an targetted attack. The strikes destroyed three houses in Kunar and Helmand provinces, Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said on social media website X
"We condemn this act as an aggression and crime in violation of all accepted principles," he said
Allies-turned-foes Pakistan and Afghanistan have increasingly been at odds over militancy, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of harbouring militants who stage cross-border attacks
The Taliban government denies the charge and says militancy is Pakistan's internal problem.
(With inputs from Reuters and Dawn)