Pakistani Airstrikes in Afghanistan Lead to Civilian Casualties Amid Rising Tensions
According to Afghan officials and local media, at least 17 civilians were killed following a series of airstrikes conducted by the Pakistani Air Force in eastern and southeastern Afghanistan. The airstrikes occurred amidst rising tensions between Islamabad and Kabul concerning cross-border militancy.
The air operations reportedly targeted regions in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, including districts such as Ghani Khel, Behsud, Khogyani, Barmal, and Urgun. Afghan authorities claimed that residential areas were struck and that a religious seminary was among the targets. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the airstrikes, asserting that women and children were among the casualties and accused Pakistan of infringing on Afghan sovereignty.
Pakistani officials acknowledged the airstrikes, clarifying that they targeted militant camps and hideouts associated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), its affiliates, and Islamic State Khorasan elements operating near the border. Pakistan's Information Minister described the operations as "intelligence-based selective targeting" in retaliation to recent suicide attacks in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu, which Pakistan attributes to militants allegedly operating from Afghan soil.
This incident has further exacerbated the already tense relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistan asserts it has consistently urged Afghan authorities to prevent their territory from being used for cross-border attacks, while Kabul has dismissed these accusations and warned of potential repercussions. The reported use of F-16 and JF-17 fighter jets highlights the gravity of the situation, prompting regional and international concerns about civilian safety and stability in the volatile border area.
