Pakistani Airstrikes in Afghanistan Kill 13, Including Children, Taliban Says

At least 13 people, including 11 children, were killed in airstrikes carried out by Pakistan in eastern Afghanistan, according to Afghan Taliban officials, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the neighboring countries.

The strikes reportedly targeted areas in the Afghan provinces of Kunar, Khost, and Paktika on Wednesday, causing civilian casualties and damaging residential properties. Afghan authorities said the attacks also injured at least 14 others, most of whom were women and children.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the operation, describing it as a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and airspace. He stated that civilian homes were struck during the attacks and called on the international community to take notice of the incident.

Pakistani authorities had not issued an official statement immediately after the reports emerged. However, security officials familiar with the operation indicated that the strikes were aimed at locations allegedly used by militant groups responsible for launching attacks inside Pakistan.

Islamabad has repeatedly accused Afghanistan-based militants of carrying out cross-border attacks and using Afghan territory as a safe haven. Pakistani officials maintain that such groups pose a serious threat to national security and have called on Kabul to take stronger action against them.

The Taliban administration has consistently rejected those allegations, insisting that it does not allow Afghan soil to be used against neighboring countries. Afghan officials argue that Pakistan's security challenges stem from internal issues and should not be blamed on Afghanistan.

The latest strikes have raised concerns about renewed instability along the border at a time when both countries were attempting to reduce tensions. Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have remained strained since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, with repeated disputes over border security, militant activity, and cross-border attacks.

Earlier this year, clashes between the two sides resulted in one of the most serious military confrontations in recent years. The violence prompted diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation, leading to a ceasefire agreement in March.

China, which maintains close ties with both countries, has played a role in encouraging dialogue and supporting efforts aimed at stabilizing relations. Analysts warn that the latest airstrikes could undermine those diplomatic initiatives and increase the risk of further confrontations if both sides fail to find common ground on security concerns.

Security experts note that the Afghanistan-Pakistan border remains one of the region’s most sensitive flashpoints, with militant groups, refugee movements, and territorial disputes continuing to complicate relations.

As investigations into the incident continue, concerns are growing over the humanitarian impact of the strikes and the potential consequences for regional stability. Both governments are expected to face increased pressure to prevent further escalation and preserve the fragile ceasefire that has largely held since March.

The incident highlights the persistent challenges facing the two neighboring countries as they navigate security threats, diplomatic tensions, and efforts to maintain peace along their shared border.