Pakistan Claims Killing Over 70 Militants in Airstrikes on Afghan Territory

A Pakistani political activist named Jan Achakzai has claimed that recent Pakistani airstrikes in parts of Paktika, Khost, and Nangarhar provinces have killed more than 70 armed individuals, including several commanders. He asserted that these attacks targeted only the hideouts of a group called “FAK” and did not target Afghan national forces.

Achakzai stated that the operations were “precise” and that no civilians were harmed. He described reports of police casualties in Nangarhar as “false propaganda” and emphasized that Pakistan acted solely in self-defense in response to cross-border attacks.

However, images released from the targeted areas and statements from several eyewitnesses indicate that dozens of civilians, including children, have died in these attacks, with some victims reportedly trapped under the rubble of residential homes. Local sources have also reported extensive damage to residents’ houses in the area.

Following this event, concerns have once again risen regarding violations of Afghanistan’s territorial sovereignty and the Taliban administration’s inability to secure the border areas. Critics argue that the continuation of such attacks demonstrates the Taliban’s failure to effectively protect the lives and property of the country’s residents against external aggressions.

So far, the Taliban administration has not officially provided clear details about the extent of casualties or the nature of these attacks, deepening the uncertainties and strengthening calls for a transparent and accountable investigation.