World News
Pakistan strikes targets in Afghanistan as Taliban reports four civilians killed
Islamabad says the raids hit drone infrastructure, while Afghan authorities deny launching cross-border attacks and vow retaliation.
The short version
- Pakistan carried out air strikes across 10 locations in Afghanistan early Thursday, stating the operation targeted facilities used to store and launch cross-border drones.[France 24 · Al Jazeera]
- Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid reported that the strikes hit Kandahar, Paktia, and Khost provinces, killing four civilians, and promised an appropriate response.[France 24 · Al Jazeera]
- Taliban officials denied launching drones into Pakistan after Islamabad claimed it intercepted eight incoming aircraft and took mortar fire at border posts a day earlier.[France 24 · Al Jazeera]
- The escalation deepens cross-border friction, raising the possibility of Afghan retaliation amid strained relations.[France 24 · Al Jazeera]
Key facts
- Pakistan announced it launched air strikes on 10 Afghan sites early Thursday that were allegedly used to store and deploy attack drones.[France 24 · Al Jazeera]
- Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated the strikes hit Kandahar, Paktia, and Khost provinces, resulting in four civilian deaths.[France 24 · Al Jazeera]
- Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar characterized the military operation as calibrated and limited to objectives linked to attempted strikes against Pakistan.[France 24 · Al Jazeera]
- Pakistani authorities claimed they neutralized eight Afghan Taliban drones on Wednesday heading toward Kohat and Torkham and faced heavy weapons fire at border posts.[France 24]
- Taliban authorities denied deploying any drones across the border into Pakistan.[France 24 · Al Jazeera]
What remains uncertain
- Whether any Afghan government or militant drones were actually launched into Pakistani airspace prior to the air strikes remains disputed.[France 24 · Al Jazeera]
- The exact identities of the casualties and the full extent of damage at the 10 targeted locations have not been independently confirmed.[France 24 · Al Jazeera]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.