Pakistan launches operation near Afghan border

ISLAMABAD—The Pakistani military says it has launched a new operation in a strategic tribal area that juts into Afghanistan.

Pakistani army spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas says the operation in the Kurram tribal area is aimed at militants who have staged suicide attacks and kidnapped locals.

Abbas said on Tuesday that the operation was focused on central Kurram and also sought to clear the main road that runs through the area to Peshawar, the main city in Pakistan’s northwest.

Kurram is home to Pakistani Taliban militants who have declared war on the government.

It is also reportedly being used by Afghan militants to transit to Afghanistan to attack NATO troops.