Published：Jun 28, 20:18Last updated：Jun 29, 20:09

Pakistan Airstrikes in Afghanistan Kill 36+ Civilians, Spark Diplomatic Crisis

Jun. 28, 2026 20:18

Pakistan announced that its security forces conducted an intelligence-based ground operation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, followed by targeted strikes against terrorist hideouts. The operation resulted in the death of 29 militants. The strikes were aimed at disrupting terrorist safe havens in the border region. The announcement was made on June 28, 2026, but no further details were provided about the militants or the specific locations of the strikes.

Summarized

23News

19Media

Jun. 29, 2026 16:58

Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan killed at least 36 civilians and injured over 160 on June 29, 2026. Afghan officials condemned the attacks, vowing retaliation. Pakistan stated the operations were in response to militant attacks, escalating tensions between the neighboring countries.

Jun. 29, 2026 20:09

Pakistan's recent strikes in Afghanistan resulted in the deaths of 36 civilians and injured 163 others, according to the Afghan government. This marks the deadliest attack by Pakistan on Afghanistan in several months, escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries.

At least 36 civilians were killed and over 160 injured in Pakistani airstrikes across Afghanistan's Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar provinces on June 28-29, 2026, according to multiple reports. The attacks, which Pakistan claims targeted militant camps in retaliation for a Karachi terror attack that killed three soldiers, have resulted in conflicting casualty figures - with the Taliban administration reporting civilian deaths and Pakistan asserting 29-32 militants were neutralized. The strikes mark the deadliest cross-border operation in months, significantly escalating tensions between the neighboring nations.Reuters+2

🔍 Operation Details

Pakistan conducted retaliatory strikes targeting what it described as terrorist infrastructure in eastern Afghanistan's border regions. The operation followed a militant attack on a paramilitary camp in Karachi, with Pakistan's Information Minister specifying strikes in Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar provinces. While Pakistan maintains the action was precise, Afghan sources report extensive civilian casualties in residential areas, with the UN confirming at least 28 civilian deaths in initial assessments.Russia Today+2

⚔️ Conflicting Claims

The incident has produced starkly different narratives:

Pakistan claims: 29-32 militants killed, targeting breakaway Pakistani Taliban factions
Afghanistan reports: 36+ civilians dead, 163+ injured across three provinces
UN verification: At least 28 civilian fatalities confirmed
The Taliban administration has accused Pakistan of aggression, while Islamabad insists it acted against imminent terrorist threats.The New York Times+2

🌍 Diplomatic Fallout

Afghanistan has condemned the strikes as a sovereignty violation and vowed retaliation, with the Taliban government calling it "aggression." The incident has further strained already fragile bilateral relations, which have been deteriorating over border security and militant activity disputes. International observers warn the escalation could destabilize the region.France 24+2

🛡️ Security Implications

The airstrikes represent Pakistan's most assertive counterterrorism action along the Afghan border in recent months. While no Pakistani military casualties were reported from the operation, the significant civilian toll has intensified cross-border accusations. Both nations continue trading blame over militant sanctuaries and territorial violations, with no immediate de-escalation in sight.Russia Today+2

ISISTalibanAttaullah TararSecurity RangersPakistan-Afghanistan border