Overview
- Pakistan said a night ground-and-air operation struck militant shelters in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar and killed 29 fighters, while Afghan (Taliban) officials say the strikes killed dozens of civilians and wounded more than 150.
- The operation included border-area ground raids and air bombardment and was followed by Pakistani footage released on social media showing explosions in the named provinces.
- Islamabad framed the action as retaliation for recent attacks on Pakistani forces, including a deadly assault on Pakistan Rangers in Karachi that Pakistani officials say prompted the response.
- The Taliban denounced the strikes as a brutal act and warned of measured reprisals, and previous ceasefires and a China-mediated April meeting have failed to stop recurring cross-border violence.
- The incident deepens a years-long escalation that has left hundreds dead, closed border crossings since October, and contributed to roughly 100,000 displaced people and growing humanitarian strain in border districts.