Pakistan Conducts Early Morning Air Strikes on Afghan Border Provinces

Pakistani military aircraft carried out bombing runs on two Afghan provinces shortly after 3 a.m. local time on Wednesday, marking the latest in a series of cross-border operations in the region. The strikes targeted areas in Kunar and Paktika provinces, two strategically sensitive zones along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border that have long been flashpoints for military activity. According to initial reports, at least three civilians were killed in the Kunar strikes, with several others sustaining injuries. The extent of damage assessment was still ongoing as rescue operations continued in affected areas. In Paktika's Barmal district, the aerial bombardment struck what local officials described as vacant residential structures and abandoned commercial establishments, resulting in no immediate reports of casualties. The strikes underscore persistent tensions along the porous border region, where both nations have conducted military operations citing security concerns. Pakistan's military has previously defended such operations as necessary counter-terrorism measures against militant groups operating from Afghan territory. Afghanistan's government has repeatedly condemned cross-border strikes, demanding respect for its sovereignty.