Afghanistan on Wednesday accused Pakistan of carrying out new airstrikes on its territory, saying the attacks killed at least 13 people, most of them children, and wounded 14 others.
Official Statement from Afghanistan
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Taliban-led regime, said the strikes hit the provinces of Khost, Kunar, and Paktika. In a post on X, Mujahid stated: “Crime. Last night, the Pakistani army once again violated Afghan airspace and bombed civilian homes in the provinces of Kunar, Khost, and Paktika.” He added: “These attacks resulted in the deaths of 11 children, one woman, and one elderly man, with 14 others, including women and children, injured. We strongly condemn this humanitarian crime and this aggression.”
Pakistan's Response
Pakistan did not immediately acknowledge the strikes. The accusations come amid broader regional tensions, including renewed US-Iran hostilities in the Middle East and unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where protests have turned violent.
Background of Cross-Border Clashes
The two countries have been engaged in months of cross-border clashes that have killed hundreds since late February, when Afghanistan launched retaliatory attacks following Pakistani airstrikes. Temporary ceasefires have periodically halted the fighting, but have not held. Islamabad accuses Kabul of sheltering militants, particularly the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it says carries out attacks inside Pakistan. The group is separate from but aligned with the Afghan Taliban, who have ruled Afghanistan since taking power in 2021 after the US-led withdrawal. Kabul denies the allegation.
This incident highlights the ongoing volatility in the region, with civilian casualties exacerbating tensions between the neighboring nations.
