Airstrikes conducted by Pakistani forces in the Kunar, Khost, and Paktika provinces of Afghanistan have resulted in the deaths of 13 civilians, the majority of whom were children.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Taliban government, confirmed the incident via a statement on the social media platform X.
Mujahid stated that Pakistani forces violated Afghan airspace to bomb residential areas. "Last night, Pakistani forces once again violated Afghanistan's airspace, bombing residential buildings in the Kunar, Khost, and Paktika provinces. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 11 children, one woman, and one elderly man, while 14 other women and children were injured," Mujahid noted, strongly condemning the act as a violation of international law.
While the Pakistani government and military have not yet released an official statement regarding the specific casualties, security officials speaking to Reuters indicated that the airstrikes were directed at hideouts and facilities used by militants operating against Pakistan.
The incident marks a significant escalation in the strained relations between Islamabad and Kabul. Pakistan has frequently accused Afghanistan of providing sanctuary to militants who plan attacks within Pakistani territory. The Taliban has consistently rejected these allegations, maintaining that security issues within Pakistan are internal matters.
Diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region remain ongoing. Although the two sides reached a ceasefire agreement in March, the border situation remains volatile. China is currently continuing its mediation efforts to reduce tensions between the two neighboring nations.
