By India Prime International Desk Pakistan Launches Airstrikes Inside Afghanistan Pakistan has launched one of its biggest cross-border military operations in recent years, carrying out coordinated airstrikes and ground operations inside Afghanistan’s eastern border provinces following a deadly militant attack in Karachi.
According to official statements released on June 29, 2026, Pakistan claimed its forces targeted militant hideouts belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar. The Taliban administration in Afghanistan, however, condemned the operation, alleging that civilians, including women and children, were among the casualties.
Timeline of Events
June 27, 2026
Militants attacked the Sindh Rangers Headquarters in Karachi, killing Pakistani security personnel.
June 28, 2026 (Late Night)
Pakistan launched coordinated ground operations and calibrated airstrikes targeting areas near the Afghanistan border.
June 29, 2026
Pakistan and the Taliban administration officially confirmed that military operations had taken place, although both sides presented conflicting accounts regarding casualties and targets.
Areas Targeted
Pakistan’s military operation reportedly focused on:
- Paktia Province
- Paktika Province
- Kunar Province
These provinces are located along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and have frequently witnessed militant activity.
Pakistan’s Position
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that the operation successfully eliminated 29 militants, including commanders linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar.
Islamabad maintains that the strikes were conducted against terrorist infrastructure threatening Pakistan’s national security.
Taliban’s Response
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid strongly condemned the military action, describing it as a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
The Taliban administration alleged that civilian residential areas were targeted and claimed that women and children were among those killed during the strikes.
Why Did Pakistan Launch the Operation?
According to Pakistani officials:
- The operation was retaliation for the Karachi Rangers Headquarters attack.
- Pakistan alleged that one of the attackers was an Afghan national.
- Islamabad accused the Taliban administration of allowing anti-Pakistan militant groups to operate from Afghan territory.
The Taliban has rejected these allegations.
Rising Regional Tensions
The latest military action has significantly increased tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Security analysts believe further diplomatic and military developments are likely if both sides fail to reduce border hostilities.
Key Highlights
- Pakistan conducted airstrikes and ground operations inside Afghanistan.
- More than 30 people were reported killed, according to multiple media reports.
- Pakistan says 29 militants were eliminated.
- Taliban alleges civilian casualties.
- The operation followed the Karachi Rangers Headquarters attack.
- Border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply escalated.
Disclaimer
Casualty figures and operational details remain contested. Pakistan and the Taliban have issued conflicting claims, and independent verification is still limited.
