According to the reports of 29 June, Pakistan says its security forces killed 35 people during cross border operations near Afghanistan following recent militant attacks, including an assault on the Pakistan Rangers headquarters in Karachi. Islamabad maintains that the strikes targeted militant hideouts linked to Tehrik e Taliban Pakistan operating from Afghan territory.
Afghan sources, however, claim the airstrikes hit residential areas in Paktika, Paktia and Kunar provinces, causing significant civilian casualties. Reports allege that more than 35 people were killed, over 100 were injured, and homes, mosques and other civilian structures were damaged in the bombardment.
Witnesses and Afghan officials have further accused Pakistan of carrying out follow up strikes after residents gathered to rescue people trapped under debris. These alleged “double tap” attacks reportedly killed additional civilians and rescuers, although Pakistan has not publicly responded to the allegations and insists its operation was directed solely at militant targets.
The latest escalation threatens to deepen tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, which have repeatedly exchanged accusations over militant activity along their shared border. Despite diplomatic initiatives and international mediation efforts, recurring violence and retaliatory operations continue to undermine attempts to achieve lasting stability in the region.
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Pakistan Afghanistan Border Strikes Spark Fears of Wider Regional Escalation
