Pakistan has carried out overnight airstrikes and ground operations inside Afghanistan, saying it killed twenty-nine militants in the eastern provinces of Paktia, Paktika and Kunar.
Islamabad says the strikes were a direct response to a coordinated assault on a Pakistan Rangers headquarters in Karachi on Saturday that killed three soldiers. Afghan sources dispute the military's account, alleging more than thirty-five civilians were killed in the bombardment.
The escalation breaks roughly a month of relative calm and comes after multiple rounds of internationally mediated peace talks have failed to secure a lasting ceasefire.
Hira Mustafa reports from Islamabad.
IN: “The action follows...”
OUT: “...charge Kabul denies.”
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Hira Mustafa, our reporter in Islamabad, says Pakistan's information minister confirmed the military operations were launched in retaliation for cross-border militant activity originating from Afghan territory.
IN: “Pakistan's Information Minister...”
OUT: “...originating from Afghanistan.”
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Hira Mustafa in Islamabad says the Afghan Taliban government has accused Pakistan of targeting civilian areas, a claim Islamabad rejects.
IN: “Afghanistan has condemned...”
OUT: “...charge Kabul denies.”
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