Pakistan confirms Air Strikes on alleged TTP hideouts in Afghanistan, says 26 Militants killed
Pakistan confirmed carrying out overnight air strikes on alleged terrorist hideouts inside Afghanistan, claiming that 26 militants linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed in the operation.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the strikes were “precise and calibrated” and targeted camps and safe havens of militants operating along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
According to Tarar, the operation was launched in response to a series of recent terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, including assaults on security posts in North Waziristan, Bannu and other border regions. Pakistan refers to the TTP as “Fitna al-Khawarij”.
The minister said four key militant facilities, including a training centre, an ammunition cache, a hideout and an operational hub allegedly linked to TTP commanders, were destroyed during the strikes.
Pakistan maintained that the action was based on credible intelligence and was aimed at safeguarding national security while ensuring precision targeting.
However, Afghanistan strongly condemned the strikes. Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid alleged that Pakistani aircraft violated Afghan airspace and targeted civilian areas in Kunar, Khost and Paktika provinces.
According to Afghan authorities, at least 13 civilians, including 11 children, one woman and one elderly man, were killed, while 14 others were injured in the attacks. Pakistan has not commented on the civilian casualty claims.
The latest escalation marks the third major armed confrontation between Pakistan and Afghanistan since October 2025 and comes despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, including mediation initiatives led by China, to reduce tensions between the neighbouring countries.
Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have remained strained over Pakistan's allegations that Afghanistan-based militants are carrying out attacks on Pakistani soil. The Taliban administration has consistently denied providing sanctuary to militant groups.
The conflict has intensified in recent months, with both countries accusing each other of cross-border aggression. Previous clashes earlier this year resulted in significant casualties on both sides and prompted temporary ceasefire efforts brokered by regional partners.
Pakistan and Afghanistan share the 2,611-kilometre Durand Line border, a long-standing source of political and security disputes between the two nations.
