Kabul: At least 13 people have been killed and 14 others wounded after a fresh round of airstrikes that Afghanistan’s authorities say were launched by Pakistan, a development likely to further inflame tensions between the neighbouring countries.
Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the raids struck multiple sites in the eastern provinces of Khost, Kunar and Paktika, as reported by DNA. Officials said that among the dead were 11 children, one woman and an elderly man, highlighting the severe toll on civilians.
The strikes were reported on Wednesday, but officials have not released detailed information on the scope of the operation or the specific military or militant objectives targeted.
Civilian Casualties Spark Concerns
The deaths and injuries — particularly the high number of child victims — have raised alarm as communities along the Afghanistan‑Pakistan frontier already face a precarious security environment.
Local authorities continue to evaluate the overall damage and the status of those hurt in the attacks. The incident adds to a string of cross‑border confrontations that have frayed ties between Kabul and Islamabad in recent months.
Fragile Accord
The strikes come amid diplomatic efforts intended to dial down hostilities. Since February, forces from both countries have traded attacks that caused casualties on each side. A China‑brokered truce earlier this year briefly reduced tensions, but that accord has proven fragile.
On April 27, Pakistan reportedly conducted strikes inside Afghanistan that killed several people and left dozens wounded, prompting fears the ceasefire was starting to break down. The newly reported strikes are likely to intensify strain on already fraught diplomatic channels between Islamabad and Kabul.
Long‑Running Dispute
Pakistan has long accused Afghan territory of providing refuge to militants from Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a banned group blamed for numerous attacks inside Pakistan. Islamabad says many cross‑border security threats originate from Afghan soil.
The Taliban‑led administration in Kabul has repeatedly denied these claims, insisting it does not permit its territory to be used to attack other countries. Since the Taliban’s return to power after the 2021 withdrawal of US forces, the movement has faced mounting pressure to confront regional security concerns while managing fraught relations with neighbouring states.
The latest incident highlights the enduring difficulties both nations face in trying to contain border tensions and avoid further escalation.
