Afghanistan Reports Deadly Pakistani Airstrikes Near Border Provinces

DID Press: Taliban authorities and local sources say Pakistani military aircraft carried out overnight strikes in the eastern provinces of Kunar, Khost, and Paktika, leaving at least 13 people dead and 14 others injured, according to Taliban officials.

The reported strikes targeted areas near the Afghanistan–Pakistan border, a region that has repeatedly witnessed security tensions between the two neighboring countries.

Local media reports indicate that several residential areas were affected, resulting in civilian casualties. Earlier preliminary reports had suggested lower casualty figures, but Taliban officials later announced a higher toll.

Zabihullah Mujahid said 13 civilians were killed, including 11 children, one woman, and one elderly person. He added that 14 others, most of them women and children, were wounded in the attacks.

Mujahid condemned the strikes as a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and called on Pakistan to respect Afghanistan’s territorial integrity.

Pakistani authorities had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of reporting. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of failing to prevent anti-Pakistan militant groups from operating from Afghan territory, an accusation the Taliban administration denies.

Regional analysts warn that continued cross-border military actions could further destabilize frontier areas and increase risks to civilians. Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have remained strained in recent months, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation.