Pakistan claims 22 militants killed in strikes on Afghan bases

Pakistan's armed forces announced Wednesday that air strikes targeting insurgent positions in Afghanistan's Kunar and Helmand provinces resulted in the deaths of 22 combatants. The military characterized the operations as successful strikes against militant strongholds in the neighboring country.

However, Afghan officials provided a starkly different account of the strikes. Kabul authorities stated that the air attacks killed nine civilians, including women and children, raising questions about potential non-combatant casualties in the operations.

The disparity between casualty figures reported by the two nations reflects ongoing tensions over cross-border military operations in the region. Afghanistan has previously lodged complaints over Pakistani strikes on its territory, citing civilian harm and violations of sovereignty.

Kunar and Helmand provinces in eastern and southern Afghanistan have long served as refuges for various militant groups, including those hostile to Pakistan. The Pakistani military has conducted periodic operations against such groups operating from Afghan soil.