Pakistan Airstrikes Kill 26 Militants in Afghanistan
Pakistan conducted airstrikes along its border with Afghanistan, destroying four targets and killing 26 militants. Afghan officials reported 13 civilian deaths, including 11 children, in the provinces of Kunar, Khost, and Paktika.
gamereactor.euPakistan launched airstrikes along its border with Afghanistan on or just before Wednesday, breaking months of relative calm. Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said four targets were destroyed in calibrated strikes that killed 26 militants.
The strikes targeted hideouts and safe havens, including a training centre and an ammunition cache. Tarar said the action responded to recent terrorist incidents in Pakistan.
Taliban government said 13 people were killed in the provinces of Kunar, Khost, and Paktika. Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said 11 children, one woman, and one elderly man were killed.
The escalation marks the first since February, when border fighting left hundreds dead. The two countries agreed a ceasefire last October after weeks of deadly clashes. Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan of harbouring terrorists who carry out attacks on Pakistani soil.
The Taliban government rejects that accusation and has repeatedly said its territory is not being used to threaten the security of other countries. " — Attaullah Tarar, Wednesday (BBC) Sporadic clashes have continued since the heavy fighting in late February.
World leaders have called on the two nations to cease hostilities.
