Pakistan launches deadly air attacks on Afghanistan

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1. 2h ago

   Pakistan conducts air strikes in Afghanistan targeting militant hideouts

   Pakistan launched air strikes on October 1 against two locations in Afghanistan, targeting alleged militant hideouts. Pakistan reports that 22 terrorists were killed in these "calibrated" and "well-planned" strikes. However, the Afghan Taliban and a UN mission report civilian casualties, with figures ranging from 9 to 10 deaths, including women and children. The strikes targeted areas in Kunar and Helmand provinces near the border based on credible evidence of militant activity. Pakistan maintains that only militants were hit, while Kabul condemns the attacks.

   Why it matters

   The strikes occur amid strained relations between Pakistan and the Taliban, including recent disputes over clashes in Nuristan. A prolonged closure of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border has already halted cross-border trade and disrupted social ties.

   What is confirmed

   • Pakistan conducted air strikes in Afghanistan on October 1.
   • The strikes targeted two locations in Afghanistan near the border.
   • Pakistan claims the air strikes killed 22 fighters or terrorists.
   • The Afghan Taliban reports that 9 civilians died in the strikes.
   • The strikes targeted the Kunar and Helmand provinces.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A UN mission reports that 10 civilians, most of them children, were killed in the air strikes.
   • The strikes targeted militants blamed for deadly cross-border attacks.

   What to watch next

   • Official UN report on civilian casualty verification
   • Taliban response to Pakistan's denial of involvement in Nuristan clashes
   • Diplomatic movements to reopen the Afghanistan-Pakistan border
   Sources used for this update (21)

   1. www.pakistan.gov.pk — Government of Pakistan
   2. Al Jazeera — Pakistan says 22 fighters killed in air attacks on Afghanistan hideouts
   3. Reuters — Pakistani airstrikes kill 9 in Afghanistan, Taliban say
   4. The Jerusalem Post — Pakistani strikes kill nine in Afghanistan, Kabul reports
   5. AP News — Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan kill 9 civilians, Kabul says; Pakistan says only militants hit
   6. Dawn — ‘Calibrated’ air strikes target terrorist hideouts at two locations in Afghanistan: info ministry
   7. BBC — Pakistan launches deadly air strikes on Afghanistan
   8. Al Jazeera — Afghanistan says Pakistani airstrikes killed women and children
   9. cbsnews.com — Afghanistan condemns Pakistan as U.N. mission says airstrikes killed 10 civilians, "most of them children"
   10. www.bbc.com — Pakistan launches deadly air strikes on Afghanistan
   11. Pioneer Press — Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan kill 10 civilians, Kabul and UN say
   12. The Hindu — Pakistan says killed 22 terrorists in airstrikes in Afghanistan
   confidence 90%