10 June 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : At least 13 people were killed and 14 others injured after Pakistani airstrikes targeted eastern Afghanistan, according to officials from the Taliban-led administration. The strikes reportedly hit the provinces of Khost, Kunar, and Paktika, further escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the victims included 11 children, one woman, and one elderly man. Afghan authorities accused Pakistan of violating Afghan airspace and striking civilian homes in the affected areas.
Pakistan Claims Militant Targets
Pakistani officials said the strikes targeted hideouts and facilities used by militants responsible for attacks inside Pakistan. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of harboring members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), allegations that Kabul denies.
Pakistan’s Information Minister stated that 26 militants were killed during the operation, presenting a sharply different account from Afghan authorities, who insist that civilians bore the brunt of the attacks.
Border Tensions Escalate
The latest strikes come after months of cross-border violence between the two countries. Relations have deteriorated since February, with both sides accusing each other of supporting militant groups and carrying out attacks across the frontier.
The airstrikes reportedly followed a deadly attack on a Pakistani security post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that killed several security personnel. Pakistan has blamed Afghan-based militants for the assault.
Fears Of Further Escalation
Analysts warn that the latest incident could trigger further military exchanges along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, a region already experiencing heightened instability. Previous Pakistani airstrikes have prompted retaliatory action from Afghan forces, raising concerns about a broader conflict.
Humanitarian Concerns
The reported deaths of children and other civilians have drawn concern from observers, with calls for restraint and efforts to prevent further civilian casualties. Afghan authorities have condemned the strikes and warned that continued violations of their territory could worsen regional security