ISLAMABAD: Pakistan airstrikes and intelligence-based ground operations killed 37 militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and eastern Afghanistan, Pakistani authorities said Monday. However, Kabul disputed the account and reported civilian casualties.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said security forces first carried out an intelligence-based ground operation around Kohat, Hangu and Thal on September 20. They killed nine militants and injured several others during that operation.
The ministry said subsequent “calibrated” airstrikes targeted three militant camps and hideouts. These included what it described as a suicide-bomber training centre. It said 28 militants were killed and weapons and ammunition stored at the sites were destroyed.
Associated Press reported that the airstrikes hit Kunar and Paktika provinces in eastern Afghanistan. Pakistani officials described the locations as suspected militant hideouts linked to groups operating against Pakistan.
The Information Ministry said the strikes targeted members of Fitna al-Khawarij, the state’s term for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). They also targeted affiliated groups blamed by Islamabad for recent attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Afghan Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid gave a conflicting account, saying three civilians were killed and four wounded in Kunar. Afghan officials also reported damage to a house and shop in Paktika. Neither side’s casualty claims could be independently verified immediately.
Pakistan’s ministry said it took “maximum precautions” to avoid collateral damage. In addition, it accused Afghanistan of continuing to provide sanctuary to militants threatening Pakistan. Kabul has repeatedly rejected Pakistani allegations that it shelters TTP fighters.
Read: Hangu Clash Kills 8 Militants, 6 Soldiers Martyred, ISPR Says
The operations followed a September 20 clash in Hangu in which eight militants and six Pakistani security personnel were killed. The personnel included Captain Abuzar Farooq and Lieutenant Sheraz Babar, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The latest attack came after the September 18 attack on Kohat Police Lines. During that attack, at least 23 people, including 17 police personnel and six civilians, were killed in a bombing and subsequent assault.
