Pakistan strikes militant hideouts in Afghan border; Kabul refutes claim, says civilians killed in Nangarhar, Paktika

In a recent escalation of tensions, Pakistan has conducted airstrikes targeting militant hideouts along the Afghan border, which it claims were in retaliation for a suicide bombing that occurred at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad two weeks ago, as well as other recent attacks in the northwest region of Pakistan. The Pakistani military stated that the strikes aimed to eliminate threats posed by militant groups operating from Afghanistan. However, Afghan authorities have refuted these claims, asserting that the strikes resulted in civilian casualties in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by both Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly regarding cross-border militancy. The situation remains tense as both nations grapple with the implications of these strikes, which may further complicate their already fragile bilateral relations. The international community is closely monitoring developments, as such military actions could have broader implications for regional stability in South Asia.