Pakistan Accused of Deadly Airstrikes in Afghanistan Amid Worsening Tensions
Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of deadly airstrikes in eastern provinces, killing 10, mostly children, and injuring four, escalating already tense bilateral relations.
Overview
Pakistan's military is accused by Afghanistan's Taliban government of conducting recent airstrikes in three eastern Afghan provinces, including Kunar and Paktika.
These airstrikes reportedly resulted in the deaths of 10 civilians, predominantly children, and caused injuries to four other individuals in the affected regions.
The alleged Pakistani military actions followed recent deadly attacks in Pakistan's Peshawar, which Pakistan attributes to militants operating from Afghan soil.
Taliban spokesman Mujahid condemned the airstrikes as "atrocities" and a clear violation of Afghanistan's territorial sovereignty, demanding an explanation.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have significantly deteriorated since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, with this incident further exacerbating existing tensions.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally by meticulously attributing all accusations and strong rhetoric to the respective Afghan and Pakistani governments. They avoid editorializing or adopting a particular side, instead focusing on presenting a balanced account of claims, counter-claims, and the broader context of the escalating tensions. This approach allows for objective reporting.
Sources (3)
FAQ
Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan in response to recent deadly attacks in its territory, particularly in Peshawar, which it attributes to militants operating from Afghan soil. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban government to prevent such groups, especially the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), from using Afghanistan as a base for attacks.
The Afghan Taliban government condemned the airstrikes as a violation of its sovereignty and an atrocity, particularly due to the high number of civilian casualties, including children. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Afghanistan would respond at an appropriate time and demanded an explanation from Pakistan.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have significantly deteriorated since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. The recent airstrikes and retaliatory attacks have further escalated tensions, with both sides engaging in border clashes and failing to reach a long-term agreement in peace negotiations.
Yes, both countries signed a ceasefire in October 2025 after intense border clashes, but negotiations failed to produce a lasting agreement. Pakistan demanded a written guarantee from Afghanistan to prevent militants from operating on its soil, which Kabul refused to provide.
The Pakistani Taliban (TTP) is a key militant group accused by Pakistan of launching attacks from Afghan territory. Pakistan targeted TTP hideouts and leadership in its airstrikes, while the Afghan Taliban denies allowing any group to use its soil for attacks against Pakistan.
History
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