Pakistan says its security forces killed 29 militants during an operation along the Afghan border. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry summoned Pakistan's chargé d'affaires to protest alleged airspace violations and reported strikes on civilian homes in Kunar, Paktia and Paktika.

The operation, described as an "intelligence-based ground operation", was launched in response to recent attacks across several provinces, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Sindh.

Pakistan's Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, said precision strikes were carried out against militant targets in border areas, resulting in significant casualties among fighters and the destruction of key infrastructure.

According to the minister, three militant positions were targeted during the operation, with weapons caches and ammunition stores also destroyed.

He said some militants were wounded in addition to those killed, although no further details were provided.

Regional tensions

Tarar said Pakistan remains committed to maintaining stability in the region and would continue efforts to eliminate what he described as "terrorist threats supported by foreign powers".

Pakistan has faced a renewed wave of attacks in recent years, particularly in regions bordering Afghanistan.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have been the main centres of violence, with armed groups staging attacks on security forces as well as civilian targets.

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Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of operating from Afghan territory and organising cross-border attacks, a claim denied by authorities in Kabul.

Insurgency in Balochistan

In Balochistan, separatist violence remains a key concern. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), one of the most prominent militant groups in the province, has stepped up attacks in pursuit of its long-standing goal of independence.

The group has targeted military installations, infrastructure and economic projects, highlighting the broader challenge faced by the government in maintaining security across remote and underdeveloped regions.

Ongoing operations

The latest operation underscores Pakistan’s continued reliance on military action to counter militancy, particularly in border areas where security conditions remain volatile.

While officials say such operations are necessary to disrupt militant networks, analysts note that the persistence of attacks points to deeper structural issues, including governance challenges and regional instability.

For now, authorities say operations will continue as part of wider efforts to contain militancy and restore stability, especially in sensitive border provinces.

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Pakistan Afghanistan Balochistan Liberation Army