Pakistan has confirmed carrying out new air and ground operations in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces of Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar. Local sources report that the Manda Khel area of Chamkani district in Paktia was hit by airstrikes and that civilians attempting to rescue victims were reportedly struck during a subsequent round of bombardment.
Witnesses said fighter jets remained over the area while casualties continued to be transported to nearby medical facilities.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the operation was launched in response to recent attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Karachi, claiming that militant hideouts were targeted and that 29 militants were killed.
No official civilian casualty figures have been released, and the Taliban have not yet issued an official response.