80 militants killed by air strikes in Afghanistan

Pakistan says it carried out intelligence-based airstrikes inside Afghanistan, destroying seven militant camps and killing more than 80 fighters in a retaliatory operation for recent deadly attacks in Pakistan.

According to official sources, the strikes targeted hideouts belonging to TTP and allied groups in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces, including Nangarhar and Paktika.

The strikes were launched after a series of suicide bombings and militant attacks in Pakistan, including incidents in Islamabad, Bajaur and Bannu, which security officials claim were planned from across the border.

Officials stated that the operation was carried out after “conclusive evidence” linking the targeted camps to planners and facilitators of attacks in Pakistan.

They described it as “selective targeting” to dismantle infrastructure used for cross-border terrorism.

According to reports, more than 80 militants were killed, though independent verification of casualty figures has not been released yet.

Officials from the government stated that the strikes were a proportionate response aimed at protecting citizens.

Moreover, they urged Afghan authorities to prevent militant groups from using their territory against Pakistan, stressing that national security remains Pakistan’s top priority.

The Afghan government, however, condemned the operation, calling it a violation of its sovereignty and summoning Pakistan’s ambassador.

Afghan officials claimed that civilians were among the casualties, while Pakistan rejected those claims and insisted only militant hideouts were targeted.