Pakistan claims to have killed at least 70 militants in strikes along Afghan border
NPR • • world
Key Points:
- Pakistan's military conducted airstrikes along the Afghanistan border, killing at least 70 militants it accused of recent attacks inside Pakistan, though no evidence was provided for the claims.
- Afghan officials reported that the strikes hit civilian areas in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, killing and wounding dozens, including women and children, and condemned the attacks as violations of Afghan sovereignty.
- Pakistan blamed Afghanistan-based militant groups, including the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and an Islamic State affiliate, for recent suicide bombings in Pakistan, accusing Afghan authorities of failing to prevent cross-border attacks.
- The Afghan government protested the strikes by summoning Pakistan's ambassador and warned Pakistan of consequences, while local villagers stated those killed were civilians, not militants.
