Pakistan reports 22 fighters killed in airstrikes in Afghanistan

Pakistan has conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan, claiming to have targeted camps and hideouts used by armed groups, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 22 fighters. This announcement was made by Pakistan’s Ministry of Information on Thursday. In response, the Afghan government accused Pakistan of killing at least nine women and children during the strikes on Kunar and Helmand provinces. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for Afghanistan’s government, stated that the airstrikes occurred late on Wednesday, resulting in nine fatalities and 11 injuries. He also reported that three houses were destroyed in the attacks. Mujahid condemned the strikes, labeling them as aggression and a crime against accepted principles. The airstrikes have intensified tensions between the two countries, which had experienced three months of relative calm. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring armed groups, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, responsible for cross-border attacks. The Afghan government has denied these allegations, asserting that the Pakistani strikes have targeted civilian areas, resulting in casualties among women and children.