Pakistani strikes kill dozens of Afghan villagers

Pakistani airstrikes targeting Taliban-allied fighters in Afghanistan resulted in the deaths of at least 36 civilians and injured 163 others, Afghan officials reported. The strikes, which occurred overnight, destroyed homes in several Afghan villages, leaving residents to survey the damage to their properties.

Islamabad, however, claimed that its forces conducted "precision strikes" against 29 fighters. Pakistan stated these actions were in retaliation for multiple attacks carried out by armed groups across Pakistan in recent days. The Pakistani government has been facing an increase in militant activity, particularly from groups operating along its border with Afghanistan.

The Afghan authorities have condemned the strikes, emphasizing the significant civilian casualties and the destruction of residential areas. The incident is likely to further strain relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly given the ongoing political and security challenges in the region. The exact number of militants killed and the extent of damage are subject to conflicting reports from both sides.