Islamabad, Sept 22:
Pakistan has said its security forces killed 28 militants in airstrikes targeting terrorist camps and hideouts near the Afghan border, while Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of killing three civilians in strikes on its territory.
Pakistan’s Information Ministry said the airstrikes followed an intelligence-based ground operation in Kohat and Hangu districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It said three targets, including a training centre for suicide bombers, were destroyed.
The ministry said the targeted groups were responsible for recent attacks in the province and that weapons and ammunition stored at the locations were also destroyed. Pakistan’s claim of 28 militant deaths could not be independently verified.
The strikes followed a series of attacks on Pakistani security forces. Pakistani authorities said a recent attack on a police facility in Kohat killed at least 21 people, including 15 police personnel. Six Pakistani soldiers were also reported killed in a clash with militants in Hangu.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused militant groups operating from Afghan territory of carrying out attacks inside the country and has urged the Taliban government in Kabul to act against them.
Afghanistan denies allowing its territory to be used for attacks against Pakistan. The Taliban government said the latest Pakistani strikes in Kunar and Paktika killed three civilians and wounded four others.
Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the strikes and said Afghanistan would respond. Pakistan, however, said its forces took maximum precautions and reported no civilian casualties from its operations.
The latest exchanges have further heightened tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.