Pakistan carried out aerial and drone strikes at 10 locations in Afghanistan following drone incursions into its territory, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on September 24.
Tarar said Pakistan’s air-defence systems had detected, tracked and intercepted drones launched from Afghan territory the previous day. He described the incursions as a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and said the subsequent strikes targeted sites used to launch and store drones.
Afghan authorities reported civilian casualties from the Pakistani operation. According to Reuters, Afghan officials said four civilians were killed. Pakistan described the sites it struck as military-related.
The operation comes amid strained relations between the neighbouring countries, which have repeatedly exchanged accusations over militant activity and cross-border security. Islamabad says armed groups operating from Afghan territory have carried out attacks inside Pakistan. Afghan authorities have disputed Pakistani allegations and condemned previous strikes across the border.
The latest confrontation raises the possibility of further military exchanges along a frontier where security incidents have repeatedly complicated diplomatic relations. Any response from Kabul could influence whether tensions intensify or the two governments return to talks.
Pakistan’s state broadcaster reported Tarar’s statement on September 24. Reuters separately reported the Afghan account of civilian deaths, leaving the two sides with different descriptions of the operation and its consequences.