Pakistani military launches operation on Pakistan-Afghanistan border, killing 29 militants

[Global Times Special Correspondent Zhen Xin] Afghan government spokesman Fitrad stated on social media on the 29th that airstrikes launched by the Pakistani military against Afghanistan have resulted in at least 36 civilian deaths and 163 injuries. Fitrad noted that the most severe attack occurred in Paktia Province, causing 30 deaths and 158 injuries, with three residential buildings completely destroyed. Earlier that day, the Afghan side strongly condemned the Pakistani military's "aggressive actions."

Pakistan's Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, stated that Pakistani security forces conducted military operations in the border area between Pakistan and Afghanistan from the 28th to the early hours of the 29th, killing 29 militants.

The BBC reported on the 28th that the Pakistani side stated that this operation was a response to "recent terrorist attacks against innocent civilians." The Pakistani military revealed that the day before the airstrikes, the headquarters of the Sindh Rangers, a paramilitary force, in Karachi was attacked, resulting in the deaths of three team members. This suicide attack also killed three militants, and Pakistani officials stated that a fourth attacker, who is Afghan, has been captured.

The BBC reported that since October of last year, there have been multiple exchanges of fire in the border area between Afghanistan and Pakistan. In October of last year, under the mediation of Qatar and Turkey, both sides agreed to a ceasefire. The BBC noted that, like many previous ceasefire agreements facilitated by international mediation, this ceasefire agreement has now broken down. Official reports from both countries indicate that in recent months, conflicts and airstrikes have sporadically erupted in the border area, resulting in dozens of deaths.