Pakistan conducted airstrikes targeting alleged militant hideouts in Afghanistan, according to Al Jazeera. The strikes occurred in response to a recent attack on a military base in Karachi, which left three personnel dead and four wounded.
What happened
On June 29, 2026, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced that military operations were conducted in Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar provinces. Tarar claimed that these operations resulted in the deaths of 25 militants. Following an assault on a Sindh Rangers base in Karachi that killed three personnel, Pakistan also carried out a separate ground operation in Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing several members of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA), including a senior commander.[1]
“Afghan soil and Afghan nationals continue to be used to orchestrate terrorist attacks inside Pakistan,” stated Foreign Office spokesman Tahir Andrabi. In retaliation, Pakistan summoned the Afghan envoy and delivered a formal protest to Kabul. The JuA, responsible for the Karachi attack, is a faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban, which has orchestrated numerous deadly incidents in Pakistan.[3]
Why it matters
The ongoing violence and military operations indicate a deteriorating security situation in the region. Attacks within Pakistan rose by 34 percent in 2025, resulting in over 1,000 fatalities. Analysts emphasize the urgent need for Islamabad to reassess its counterterrorism strategy, as current measures are failing to halt the violence.[2]
Background
On June 27, 2026, a significant attack on the Sindh Rangers compound in Karachi occurred, leading to a reactive military response from Pakistan. This incident marked a notable escalation, as Karachi had not seen such large-scale violence since February 2023. The JuA claimed responsibility for this attack.
What’s next
In the coming weeks, Pakistan is expected to continue its military operations aimed at countering militant threats, while diplomatic relations with Afghanistan remain strained. The situation continues to evolve, demanding close monitoring by regional and international observers.
