Pakistan launches deadly air strikes on Afghan border

On Wednesday, Pakistan announced a series of calibrated air attacks along its border with Afghanistan, striking four targets and reportedly killing 26 militants. The move comes after months of relative calm in the restive region.

The Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the strikes hit hideouts, a training centre and an ammunition cache, citing “recent terrorist incidents in Pakistan” as a trigger. Afghanistan’s Taliban spokespeople confirmed that 13 people, including 11 children, were killed, with 11 children, one woman and one elderly man fatally wounded.

Pakistan has long accused Pakistan of harbored terrorist factions that launch attacks into its territory. The Taliban government strongly rejects these claims, insisting that its territory is not used to threaten other countries.

This surge in violence marks the first escalation since February, when heavy fighting left hundreds dead. The two countries had agreed to a ceasefire in October following weeks of fatal clashes. World leaders have called for a swift return to peace as sporadic skirmishes continue.