28 Militants Killed in Pakistan's Cross-Border Air Operation
Dozens of militants were neutralized in airstrikes along the Afghan border, while civilian casualties, including children, caused diplomatic tension between the two countries.
The Pakistani government announced that at least 28 militants were killed in air operations carried out in the Afghanistan border region. However, Afghan Taliban officials and the United Nations reported that three civilians lost their lives in the attacks.
Air Operation in the Border Region
The Pakistani government announced that airstrikes were carried out in the Afghanistan border region following a recent surge in Islamist militant attacks.
A security official stated that two Afghan provinces, Paktika and Kunar, were targeted within the scope of the operations.
Civilian Casualty Claims and Reactions
Immediately after the attacks, Afghan Taliban officials and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan confirmed that three civilians lost their lives in the nighttime operations.
It was shared that the deceased civilians were a man, a woman, and a young girl.
Diplomatic Crisis and Protest
Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesperson for the Taliban administration, stated that an appropriate response would be given to these attacks.
Following the developments, the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Pakistan's charge d'affaires in Kabul to the ministry and delivered a formal note of protest.
Background Events
The aforementioned air operations took place immediately after acts of violence in Pakistan, including an attack on a police facility in Kohat that claimed the lives of 24 people.
Additionally, it was stated that six Pakistani soldiers and eight militants lost their lives in clashes in the Hangu region.