Pakistan Airstrikes in Eastern Afghanistan Leave Dozens Dead, Over 100 Injured

DID Press: More than 30 civilians were reportedly killed and over 100 others wounded after Pakistani air and ground operations targeted areas in eastern Afghanistan, according to local sources. While Islamabad says the operation was part of its counterterrorism campaign, Kabul has condemned the attacks as a violation of Afghan sovereignty.

The Pakistani military launched a series of airstrikes and cross-border operations on Sunday as part of its ongoing operation “Ghazab-ul-Haq,” targeting areas along the frontier in Paktia Province, Paktika Province and Kunar Province.

Pakistani officials said the strikes were aimed at positions allegedly linked to armed groups, including Jamaat-ul-Ahrar. According to Islamabad, 29 militants were killed and significant quantities of weapons and ammunition were destroyed during the operation.

Pakistan described the campaign as retaliation for recent attacks against its security forces, including an assault on a Rangers checkpoint in Karachi.

However, local sources in Afghanistan reported a different toll. According to these accounts, airstrikes in the Gayan district of Paktika and Chamkani district of Paktia killed more than 30 civilians and injured over 100 others. Separate strikes were also reported in parts of Kunar Province.

The Taliban administration condemned the attacks in a statement issued by spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, describing them as a “crime” and an act of “aggression.” The statement said women and children were among the victims and warned that the strikes would have “serious consequences.”

While Islamabad maintains that the operation is part of its broader “Azm-e-Istehkam” campaign against what it calls externally supported terrorism, authorities in Kabul argue that such actions risk further destabilizing the region.