Pakistan carries out air strikes in Afghanistan, Taliban says dozens killed

Pakistan launched overnight air strikes near the Afghanistan border and the Taliban says the attacks killed and wounded dozens, while Pakistan says it targeted militant sites.

Pakistan carried out multiple overnight air strikes in areas near the Afghanistan border. The Pakistani government said the strikes targeted seven militant camps and were a response to recent suicide bombings. Afghan officials and the Taliban reported strikes on civilian areas in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces and said there were casualties. The attacks come after a fragile ceasefire agreed in October and follow recent border clashes and prisoner releases. Reported details: - Pakistan's Ministry of Information said it carried out intelligence-based strikes on seven alleged militant camps and hideouts near the border. - The ministry described the action as a retributive response to recent suicide bombings in Pakistan and named militant groups it blamed. - The Taliban's defence ministry said the strikes hit civilian areas in Nangarhar and Paktika and reported dozens killed and wounded. - The two sides had a tentative ceasefire from October after intense border clashes, and the Taliban warned it would take an appropriate response. Summary: The strikes have heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghan authorities and come after a fragile ceasefire and recent prisoner releases mediated by a third party. Undetermined at this time.