Pakistan defends Afghanistan border airstrikes and drone interceptions as India and US react

Pakistan said its June 29 airstrikes in Afghanistan targeted terrorist infrastructure, killing more than two dozen militants. The United Nations reported at least 28 civilians killed and 49 injured in those strikes. India condemned the operation as a "blatant act of aggression" and a threat to regional peace, prompting Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi to reject the remarks as baseless.

The Afghan Taliban claimed it launched airstrikes and four rudimentary drones into Pakistan’s Balochistan province, striking an alleged ISIS centre. Pakistan’s military reported intercepting and shooting down the drones, injuring two people near a government school. Both sides accused the other of harboring militants.

The U.S. State Department said it supports Pakistan’s right to defend itself against terrorist attacks, reiterating concern for the Pakistani people who have suffered from cross‑border violence. The ongoing exchanges underscore heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with diplomatic friction involving India and strategic backing from the United States.