Pakistan Conducts Airstrikes in Kandahar and Khost, Claims Targeting Drone Launch Sites

On Thursday morning, Pakistani military aircraft launched airstrikes in the Kandahar and Khost regions. Taliban officials have confirmed these attacks, asserting that there were no casualties reported.

Pakistan’s Air Strikes Target Kandahar and Khost

On Thursday morning (October 2), fighter jets from the Pakistani military conducted airstrikes in various areas of Kandahar and Khost provinces. Both Taliban officials and the Pakistani government have acknowledged the occurrence of these attacks. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Taliban, reported that the strikes took place around 3 AM in a pasture-like area within the ninth security district of Kandahar.

Mujahid further stated that the bombings did not result in any human casualties or financial damage. Additionally, Mastgufar Garbiz, a spokesperson for the Taliban governor in Khost, mentioned that positions in the Ghorband camp of Ghorband district and areas close to the provincial center and the districts of Ismail Khil and Mandozi were also targeted, with no casualties reported.

Pakistani Bombings: Claims of 10 Drone Launching Sites Hit

Atallah Tarrer, Pakistan’s Minister of Information, confirmed these air operations through a statement, claiming that the military targeted 10 launching and maintenance sites for drones in response to drone attacks originating from Afghanistan.

While Islamabad has made this claim, credible Taliban sources have firmly denied any involvement in drone attacks against Pakistan. These bombings come following previous airstrikes by the Pakistani military on Kunar and Paktika provinces on September 30.

Rising Tensions Between Kabul and Islamabad Following Airstrikes

The recent airstrikes have heightened military tensions between Kabul and Islamabad. According to a report from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), previous Pakistani attacks had led to the deaths of three Afghan civilians and injuries to four others. This situation raises significant concerns regarding security and stability in the region.