9 Civilians Killed in Pakistan Airstrikes, Kabul Says; Islamabad Claims 22 Militants Dead

Pakistan Carries Out Airstrikes in Afghanistan; Taliban Minister Warns Islamabad

Pakistan carried out overnight airstrikes in two Afghan provinces, triggering a fresh escalation in tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

According to Afghanistan’s Taliban government, nine civilians, including women and children, were killed and 11 others injured in the strikes. Afghan officials said civilian homes in Helmand and Kunar provinces were hit, with three houses reportedly destroyed.

Pakistan, however, gave a different account. Its Information Ministry said the military had targeted militant hideouts at two locations and that initial reports indicated 22 militants had been killed. Pakistan said precautions were taken to avoid civilian casualties. The casualty claims from both sides could not be independently verified. 

Taliban Minister Issues Strong Warning

Amid the escalating tensions, Taliban Minister for Borders and Tribal Affairs Noorullah Noori issued a sharp warning to Pakistan’s military and intelligence establishment. Noori said Pakistan should learn from Afghanistan’s history and warned it not to test the patience of the Afghan people.

According to reports, Noori said that if the Islamic Emirate chose to act, the Afghan flag could be raised in Peshawar within two days. The statement represents a significant escalation in rhetoric as Kabul and Islamabad continue to exchange accusations over cross-border militancy and military operations. 

Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of allowing militants, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), to operate from Afghan territory. Kabul denies the accusation. The dispute has contributed to repeated cross-border clashes and Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has also reported more than 1,100 civilian deaths and injuries from cross-border violence in Afghanistan this year, underscoring the growing humanitarian impact of the conflict.