Pakistan strikes militant hideouts on Afghan border after surge in attacks

Pakistan launched multiple airstrikes on Saturday night targeting militants in neighbouring Afghanistan, though Islamabad did not specify locations or give further details. In Kabul, government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the strikes hit civilians in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, killing and wounding dozens of people, including women and children, and accused Pakistan’s military of acting to compensate for security weaknesses inside the country.

Pakistan’s information minister, Attaullah Tarar, said the military conducted “intelligence-based, selective operations” against seven camps belonging to the Pakistani Taliban, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and its affiliates, and also struck an affiliate of Islamic State in the border region.

Tarar said Pakistan “has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region” but that the safety and security of Pakistani citizens remained a top priority.

Afghanistan, Nangarhar and Paktika provinces

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