Story perspectives

US Backs Pakistan After Border Strikes Kill 26 Terrorists

7/3/2026

Summary

Pakistan Counterterrorism

The U.S. State Department said it supports Pakistan's right to defend itself against terrorist attacks.
Three weeks earlier Pakistan struck terrorist hideouts on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, killing 26 terrorists.
The strikes destroyed a training centre, a hideout and an ammunition cache and hit the sites of commanders Aleem Khan Khushali and Akhtar Muhammad Jani Khel.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan's “Azm-i-Istehkam” counterterrorism campaign will continue at full pace.

Summary

Pakistan Airstrikes

UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reported Pakistani airstrikes killed at least 28 civilians and injured 49.
UN officials urged Pakistan and the Taliban to exercise restraint and obey international humanitarian law.
Washington said Pakistan remains a non-NATO ally and ties have improved since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House.
Pakistan, while mediating U.S.–Israel-Iran talks, said the Taliban had struck ISIS targets in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Summary

Pakistan Intercepts Drones

Pakistan’s forces intercepted and shot down four rudimentary drones over Balochistan, highlighting aerial threats to the province’s mineral infrastructure.
The drones were low-tech platforms likely used for surveillance or limited attacks.
The Afghan Taliban announced they carried out airstrikes inside Pakistani territory, a rare instance of the group employing aerial attacks.
Observers say the Taliban’s use of air power could signal a tactical shift that may intensify intermittent border clashes.

History

Historical Context

In August 2008 the United States began intensified drone strikes in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and by October 2013 the Pakistani government reported 317 strikes that killed 2,160 militants and 67 civilians. The drone campaign persisted, shaping Pakistan’s counter-terrorism doctrine. Today the Azm-i-Istehkam offensive echoes that aerial strategy, with U.S. backing and renewed civilian-casualty concerns.

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Pakistan Counterterrorism

The U.S. State Department said it supports Pakistan's right to defend itself against terrorist attacks.
Three weeks earlier Pakistan struck terrorist hideouts on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, killing 26 terrorists.
The strikes destroyed a training centre, a hideout and an ammunition cache and hit the sites of commanders Aleem Khan Khushali and Akhtar Muhammad Jani Khel.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan's “Azm-i-Istehkam” counterterrorism campaign will continue at full pace.

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