The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of conducting overnight airstrikes across multiple eastern provinces—Khost, Kunar, and Paktika—killing at least 10 civilians, including nine children and one woman. The strikes reportedly targeted residential areas, escalating already fragile tensions between the neighbouring countries following a recent suicide bombing in Peshawar, Pakistan.
Intensifying Border Tensions
According to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, Pakistani forces carried out coordinated air raids late Monday night. The most devastating attack struck a home in the Gurbuz district of Khost province, where nine children—five boys and four girls—along with a woman, were killed after the house was reduced to rubble.
Mujahid stated that further strikes hit locations in Kunar and Paktika, leaving at least four civilians injured. Local authorities claimed the bombings caused significant structural damage and created panic among residents already struggling with instability along the border.
The Taliban condemned the attacks as a “blatant violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty” and warned that the country “reserves the right to respond.” Afghan officials have described the incident as one of the deadliest cross-border escalations in recent months.
The Trigger: Suicide Blast in Peshawar
The alleged airstrikes come just days after a suicide bombing in Peshawar that killed three personnel of Pakistan’s paramilitary force. Pakistan has blamed the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for the attack, accusing Kabul of failing to prevent militants from operating on Afghan soil—claims the Taliban has repeatedly denied.
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have deteriorated steadily since the Taliban seized power in 2021, with both sides frequently accusing each other of harboring hostile groups. The latest violence threatens to unravel a temporary truce brokered in October through diplomatic efforts involving Qatar and Turkey, aimed at preventing further cross-border clashes.
Civilian Casualties Spark Outrage
The deaths of nine children have drawn widespread condemnation from Afghan officials, who labeled the strikes “unjustifiable” and “inhumane.” Images from the affected areas reportedly show destroyed homes and grieving families, further inflaming public anger.
Key Details Reported:
- Casualties: 10 killed, including 9 children and 1 woman
- Injured: At least 4 civilians
- Targeted Provinces: Khost, Kunar, Paktika
- Alleged Trigger: Suicide attack in Peshawar targeting Pakistani security forces
Growing Risk of Regional Instability
Security analysts warn that the escalating tensions could push both countries toward a deeper conflict if diplomatic channels fail. With Pakistan increasingly frustrated over cross-border militant activities, and Afghanistan denouncing what it calls repeated violations of its airspace, the risk of prolonged military confrontation is growing.
The Taliban has urged international actors to pressure Pakistan to halt what it describes as “aggression,” while Islamabad has yet to officially comment on the latest allegations.
