Children, women among dozens killed as Pakistan strikes Afghanistan again
Kabul: The Taliban has accused Pakistan of carrying out fresh airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan that reportedly killed and injured dozens of civilians, including women and children, further escalating tensions between the neighbouring countries.
Pakistan's military has reportedly launched fresh airstrikes on civilian areas in Afghanistan's eastern provinces of Paktika, Paktia and Kunar, killing and injuring dozens of people, including women and children, according to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid.
The strikes allegedly took place on Sunday night in the Gayan district of Paktika, the Tsamkani district of Paktia and the Manogai district of Kunar. In a statement posted on X, Mujahid described the attacks as a "cowardly act of aggression" and accused Pakistan of targeting civilian areas. He claimed that dozens of civilians were killed or injured in the bombardment.
The reported attack comes amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with both sides witnessing repeated border clashes and security incidents in recent months. The latest allegations are expected to further strain already fragile relations.
Former US Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad also criticised the reported strikes, accusing Pakistan of rejecting opportunities for dialogue and instead resorting to military action that has allegedly resulted in civilian casualties. He said Islamabad had failed to respond to proposals that the Taliban administration claimed it was willing to discuss.
Khalilzad further questioned Pakistan's long-term objectives in Afghanistan, suggesting that continued instability could benefit extremist groups such as ISIS-K while also increasing China's influence in the country. He argued that such outcomes would run counter to US strategic interests.
The latest allegations follow a similar incident earlier this month when Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Pakistan's chargé d'affaires in Kabul to protest alleged violations of Afghan airspace and airstrikes on residential areas. Taliban officials had then claimed that strikes on June 9 in Kunar, Khost and Paktika provinces killed 13 civilians, including 11 children, one woman and an elderly man, while injuring 14 women and children.
Pakistan had not immediately responded to the latest allegations at the time of reporting. The reported casualty figures and details have not been independently verified.