Pakistan carried out air strikes in the border areas of Afghanistan on Sunday morning. So far 18 people have been confirmed dead in this major military action. The Pakistani government says that they have targeted the hideouts of terrorists who were responsible for attacks inside Pakistan. This attack may further increase tensions between the two countries as Afghanistan has called it a violation of its sovereignty.
Why and where did Pakistan attack?
Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said that this attack was completely based on intelligence information. He said there were hideouts of terrorists in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces across the border. Pakistan Army has targeted 7 camps of associates of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State.
This action has been taken just after a suicide attack in Bannu district of Pakistan. In that attack on Saturday, two soldiers of Pakistan Army including a Lieutenant Colonel lost their lives. In response, Pakistan had warned that they would take strict action against the terrorists, no matter where they were hiding.
According to officials, Pakistan has bombed Behsud, Khogyani and Gani Khil areas of Nangarhar. Apart from this, attacks have also been carried out in Barmal district of Paktika. Pakistan claims that terrorist activities were being conducted from these places.
How much damage was done and Afghanistan’s response
This air attack has had a deep impact on the common citizens. Maulvi Fazal Rahman Faiyaz, provincial director of the Afghan Red Crescent Society, said 18 people had been killed in Nangarhar. Women and children are also included among the dead. According to local people, several residential houses and a madrasa have been damaged. The work of evacuating people buried under the debris is going on.
The Taliban government of Afghanistan has strongly condemned this attack. Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that Pakistan is carrying out such attacks to hide the failure of its internal security. The Afghan Defense Ministry has called it a criminal act and said that they will give an appropriate response at the appropriate time.
Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry has summoned Pakistan’s ambassador present in Kabul and registered its protest. There is already tension on the 2,600 km long border between the two countries and trade is also affected.
Location Damage Details Nangarhar 18 people killed, many injured Attacks target Madrasa and residential house in Paktika Barmal district Reaction Pak Ambassador summoned in Kabul