Pakistan Launches Strikes Along Afghan Border, Claims 29 Militants Killed; Taliban Reports 35 Civilian Deaths

June 29, 2026

Islamabad/Kabul: Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated after Pakistan launched military strikes along the shared border, claiming that 29 militants were killed during the operation. Afghan Taliban authorities, however, alleged that the attacks killed at least 35 civilians and injured more than 100 others.

According to Pakistan’s military, the operation targeted militant hideouts near the border following a series of cross-border security threats. Officials said the strikes were aimed at eliminating armed groups operating from Afghan territory.

The Afghan Taliban condemned the strikes, describing them as a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. Taliban officials claimed that the attacks struck residential areas, resulting in civilian casualties, including women and children.

The conflicting casualty figures could not be independently verified, and both sides have maintained their respective versions of the incident.

The latest escalation has further strained already tense relations between Islamabad and Kabul, with security concerns and cross-border militant activity remaining a major source of friction between the two neighbouring countries.

Authorities on both sides have not announced any immediate plans for de-escalation, while the international community continues to monitor developments closely.