Story perspectives

Pakistan Conducts Khost Airstrikes, Says 28 Militants Killed

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 8:07 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Pakistan carried out airstrikes on ten sites in Afghanistan’s Khost province, officials say no casualties.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the strikes were precise, calibrated and limited to military targets linked to attacks.
Pakistan claims the raids killed 28 militants, while Afghan officials report three civilian deaths.
Pakistan shot down eight drones that entered its airspace from Afghanistan on September 23.

History

Historical Context

In 2008, Pakistan launched a series of cross-border airstrikes into Afghanistan’s Khost and Paktia provinces, targeting Taliban militants. President Pervez Musharraf authorized twelve strikes, which the Pakistani military claimed eliminated roughly thirty insurgents while the Afghan government disputed casualty figures. Today’s airstrikes, announced by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and accompanied by the downing of eight drones, echo the 2008 precedent of limited, calibrated raids on perceived militant bases. The recurrence underscores enduring mistrust between Islamabad and Kabul, prompting regional powers like the United States and NATO to urge diplomatic mechanisms to prevent escalation.

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Story summary

Pakistan carried out airstrikes on ten sites in Afghanistan’s Khost province, officials say no casualties.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the strikes were precise, calibrated and limited to military targets linked to attacks.
Pakistan claims the raids killed 28 militants, while Afghan officials report three civilian deaths.
Pakistan shot down eight drones that entered its airspace from Afghanistan on September 23.

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