At least 10 civilians, including nine children and a woman, were killed in Pakistani airstrikes conducted inside Afghanistan late Monday night. The Taliban administration condemned the attack, calling it a severe violation of its sovereignty and warning of significant consequences. This incident marks a dangerous escalation in the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, occurring just after a major militant offensive against a security installation in Peshawar.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid strongly denounced the Pakistani airstrikes, labeling the forces as “invasion forces.” He confirmed that a residential house in the Mughalgay area of Khost province was directly targeted, leading to the complete destruction of the home and the deaths of five boys, four girls, and one woman. Mujahid also reported that four additional civilians were wounded in separate Pakistani airstrikes on the border regions of Kunar and Paktika.
The airstrikes are presumed to be a retaliatory measure following a coordinated attack on the Frontier Constabulary (FC) headquarters in Peshawar earlier that day. Gunmen and suicide bombers infiltrated the facility, resulting in at least three deaths and a prolonged security operation. This event intensifies Pakistan’s internal security challenges and strains its relationship with Kabul.
The broader conflict is fueled by cross-border militant activities, particularly those attributed to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The TTP recently claimed responsibility for a deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad, which Pakistan has alleged was directed from bases within Afghanistan. Multiple rounds of diplomatic negotiations aimed at de-escalating border tensions have recently collapsed, contributing to the current volatile situation.
Amidst these regional conflicts, Afghanistan’s Taliban government is reportedly pursuing closer economic ties with India. An Afghan ministerial delegation recently visited New Delhi, with discussions focusing on reviving stalled trade and investment, suggesting a potential realignment of economic partnerships in the region.