Cross-border strikes by Pakistani security forces on Sunday killed 38 civilians and injured 163, including women and children, according to Afghanistan's government spokesperson, Hamdullah Fitrat. The bulk of these casualties came from Pakistani jets bombing a home in Paktia province, killing 28 and injuring 158. Residents were rushing to help the wounded when a second strike hit the same location, said Khalid Ahmad Sajad, deputy head of the district of Samkani.
Pakistan's security forces had carried out an intelligence-based ground operation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Sunday, followed by calibrated strikes on what they described as terrorist hideouts. Officials stated these operations killed 29 fighters. Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced on social media platform X/Twitter that the action was a response to multiple terrorist attacks across the country. He claimed four fighters linked to Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a faction of the Pakistani Taliban, were killed in the ground attacks. Tarar also reported that weapons and ammunition stored in the hideouts had been destroyed.
Conflicting Accounts Emerge
Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid condemned the strikes, stating on X/Twitter that dozens were killed and injured. "The attacks resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of civilians, including women and children," Mujahid wrote. He added, "We strongly condemn this cowardly act of aggression and consider it a crime and an act of brutality."
Deputy head of Samkani district, Khalid Ahmad Sajad, provided a harrowing account from the ground. "While they were carrying out rescue efforts, Pakistani military forces launched a second airstrike on the same location," Sajad explained. This testimony underscores the immediate danger faced by those attempting to aid victims.
Preceding Attack in Karachi
The Pakistani military's retaliation came one day earlier, after a bomb and gun attack on a Sindh Rangers facility in Karachi. That Saturday incident killed three paramilitary troops and injured four, according to Pakistan's military. Terrorists from Jamaat-ul-Ahrar detonated an explosive at the entrance of the Rangers camp in Karachi's Gulistan-i-Jauhar neighborhood before opening fire on the troops, the military reported.
Information Minister Tarar asserted Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and stability. He stated, "Pakistan has always strived for maintaining peace and stability in the region, but at the same time shall not compromise on the safety and security of our citizens, which remains our top priority." This statement contrasts sharply with the Afghan government's report of significant civilian casualties from the cross-border operation.