Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated again after Afghan authorities accused Pakistan of carrying out fresh airstrikes that reportedly killed 13 people, including 11 children.
According to Afghanistan’s Taliban administration, the strikes targeted multiple locations in the eastern provinces of Khost, Kunar and Paktika on Wednesday.
The latest incident threatens to undermine fragile peace efforts between the neighbouring countries, which have witnessed repeated cross-border hostilities in recent months.
Children Among Those Killed
Taliban chief spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the strikes resulted in the deaths of 13 civilians.
Among the victims were:
- 11 children
- One woman
- One elderly man
Afghan authorities also reported that at least 14 people were injured in the attacks.
Officials have not yet released detailed information about the extent of the damage or the exact locations targeted.
Pakistan Yet to Respond
Pakistan has not officially acknowledged the reported strikes.
There has been no immediate statement from Pakistan’s military or government regarding Afghanistan’s allegations.
The absence of an official response has left several questions unanswered, including the purpose of the operation and whether further military action is anticipated.
Long-Running Security Dispute
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have remained strained over security concerns along their shared border.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of allowing militant groups, particularly the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), to operate from Afghan territory.
Islamabad maintains that the group carries out attacks inside Pakistan after finding refuge across the border.
Afghanistan has consistently rejected these allegations and denied providing safe haven to militants.
Ceasefire Under Pressure
The reported airstrikes come despite a ceasefire arrangement brokered by China earlier this year.
Since February, clashes and military operations between the two countries have resulted in hundreds of casualties.
In April, Pakistan carried out strikes inside Afghanistan that reportedly killed several civilians and injured dozens more, drawing international concern over the growing instability in the region.
The latest accusations are expected to further strain relations and raise concerns about the future of ceasefire efforts.
Regional Stability in Focus
Analysts warn that continued military exchanges could worsen security conditions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
The situation remains particularly sensitive as Afghanistan’s Taliban government continues to consolidate control following the withdrawal of US forces and its return to power in 2021.
With both countries maintaining sharply different positions on border security and militant activity, diplomatic efforts may face renewed challenges in the coming weeks.
