Recent cross-border airstrikes by Pakistan have sparked strong condemnation from Afghanistan, escalating already strained relations between the two neighbors. On Sunday, Afghanistan’s Taliban government accused Pakistan of killing dozens of civilians, including women and children, in attacks along their shared border.
According to Afghanistan’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, the strikes hit residential areas and a religious school in eastern Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. He described the victims as “martyred and wounded” civilian compatriots, calling the attacks a clear violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. Local reports confirmed explosions in several districts, raising serious concerns about civilian casualties and damage.
Pakistan, however, maintains that its operations were intelligence-based and targeted militant hideouts. Information Minister Attaullah Taran stated that “selective operations” struck seven sites belonging to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters and affiliated groups, including an Islamic State affiliate. Islamabad blames these groups for a recent surge of deadly attacks within Pakistan, citing incidents like the Bajaur and Bannu attacks, and a mosque bombing in Islamabad. Pakistani media reported around 28 TTP fighters were killed.
This latest conflict highlights ongoing tensions. Pakistan has repeatedly urged Afghan authorities to prevent militant groups from using Afghan soil to launch attacks against Pakistan. Despite attempts to de-escalate, cross-border violence continues to plague the region, making innocent civilians the tragic victims of a complex and deadly dispute.
