Pakistan said it carried out an intelligence-based ground operation and “precision” airstrikes along its border with Afghanistan, killing 29 militants in response to earlier deadly attacks.
These included four militants killed during a ground operation in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said in a post on X on Monday. Several others were injured, he said.
Pakistani forces then carried out a “precision targeting of terrorist camps and hideouts” in the border regions of Paktia, Paktika and Kunar, killing 25. Tarar identified the militants as belonging to Jamaat ul Ahrar and Fitna al khwarij.
“Large quantities of weapons and ammunition” stored at the camps and hideouts were also destroyed, he said.
The attacks were carried out over Sunday and early Monday, Tarar said, emphasizing that the safety and security of Pakistani citizens remains the top priority as the government strives for peace and stability in the region. In a separate X post, a spokesperson for the Taliban-led government in Kabul confirmed the strikes by Pakistan’s military.
The two sides have clashed repeatedly despite global calls for a ceasefire and unsuccessful mediation by Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and China.
Pakistan has stepped up cross-border action against militant groups it says are operating from Afghanistan following a resurgence in attacks and amid worsening ties with Kabul, which has repeatedly denied providing sanctuary to militants.
Earlier, Pakistan said its forces had foiled a militant attack on a camp in the port city of Karachi on Saturday night, killing three assailants and capturing one who was wounded, according to government statements.
–With assistance from Akriti Sharma.
This report is auto generated from the Bloomberg news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.