Pakistan has been accused of carrying out fresh airstrikes inside Afghanistan, with Taliban authorities claiming the attacks killed at least 13 civilians, including 11 children, in a sharp escalation of the months-long conflict between the neighbouring countries.

According to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, the strikes targeted areas in the eastern Afghan provinces of Khost, Kunar and Paktika on Wednesday. Afghan officials said those killed included 11 children, a woman and an elderly man, while at least 14 other people were injured.

The reported attacks have intensified concerns over the deteriorating security situation along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, where recurring clashes and retaliatory operations have pushed relations between the two countries to one of their lowest points in years.

Pakistan had not publicly commented on the allegations at the time of reporting.

The latest strikes came just a day after suspected militants linked to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) launched an assault on a security checkpoint in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Pakistani authorities said six members of the Federal Constabulary were killed in the attack, while security forces later killed eight of the attackers during a gunbattle.

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi attended funeral prayers for the slain personnel and vowed to intensify operations against militant groups threatening the country's security. He praised the fallen officers and said their sacrifices would be remembered as Pakistan continued its campaign against militancy.

Violence between Pakistan and Afghanistan has surged since February, when cross-border military actions by both sides triggered a cycle of retaliation. Islamabad has repeatedly blamed Afghanistan for providing safe haven to TTP fighters responsible for attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul has consistently rejected the accusation.

The latest claims also revive scrutiny over previous Pakistani military operations inside Afghanistan. Earlier this year, Afghan authorities alleged that Pakistani strikes in Kabul hit a drug rehabilitation centre and caused hundreds of casualties, a claim disputed by Islamabad, which said it targeted a militant ammunition facility and not civilians.

Despite diplomatic efforts led by China to ease tensions between the two neighbours, border violence has continued. Talks hosted in Urumqi earlier this year resulted in both sides agreeing to avoid further escalation and pursue dialogue, but repeated security incidents have undermined those commitments.

With civilian casualties once again at the centre of the dispute, the reported deaths of 11 children are likely to increase international concern over the growing conflict and its human cost.

With AP inputs