Story perspectives

Pakistan Strikes Afghan Provinces, Killing 29 After Karachi Attack

7/1/2026

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Pakistan Launches Strikes

Pakistan launched the operation after a Karachi attack that killed three Rangers soldiers.
Pakistani forces launched a ground operation and airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktia, Paktika and Kunar provinces, killing 29 militants, Pakistan says.
Afghanistan’s Taliban condemned the strikes as an act of aggression and summoned Pakistan’s charge d’affaires.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said strikes destroyed weapons and hit Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Fitna al-Khawarij camps.

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Pakistan Airstrikes

Analysts warn Pakistan’s reliance on airstrikes fuels civilian anger and threatens regional trade stability.
Pakistani airstrikes on June 29 hit Afghan villages in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar, killing dozens of civilians.
Afghan officials reported 36 deaths and 163 injuries, refuting Pakistan’s claim of 29 militants killed.
UN reports 370 civilian deaths and 397 injuries in Q1 2026, including a rehab centre strike.

History

Historical Context

Since Pakistan’s 2008 air raids on Kunar that killed 30 civilians and injured 120, cross-border strikes have recurred, including the March 2024 PAF attacks on TTP hideouts and the October 2025 clashes that sparked a Doha-mediated ceasefire. The June 29 2026 strikes on Paktia, Paktika and Kunar repeat this pattern, drawing Taliban condemnation and renewed UN scrutiny of civilian protection.

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Pakistan Launches Strikes

Pakistan launched the operation after a Karachi attack that killed three Rangers soldiers.
Pakistani forces launched a ground operation and airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktia, Paktika and Kunar provinces, killing 29 militants, Pakistan says.
Afghanistan’s Taliban condemned the strikes as an act of aggression and summoned Pakistan’s charge d’affaires.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said strikes destroyed weapons and hit Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Fitna al-Khawarij camps.

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