Kabul. Afghan authorities said that at least three civilians were killed and several more wounded after a series of airstrikes, whereas Pakistani officials maintained the missions were aimed at suspected militant positions. Independent verification of either claim is still pending.
Details of the strikes
Afghan officials pinpointed the primary strike to the Nurgal district of Kunar province around 03:00 local time. A residential building was hit, leaving three people dead and injuring a number of others. The victims were described as civilians and the structure suffered extensive damage.
In neighboring Paktika province, Pakistan reportedly bombed two sites in the Barmal district – a shop and an empty house. No casualties were reported from those locations.
Pakistan says it hit militant hideouts
Pakistani security officials asserted that the airstrikes were directed at hideouts linked to the Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group Islamabad accuses of operating from Afghan soil. According to Pakistan, 28 suspected militants were killed in the operation.
Afghanistan, however, documented three civilian deaths in Kunar and a host of injuries, contradicting Pakistan’s casualty figures. Neither side’s account has been independently confirmed.
Backdrop of recent attacks in Pakistan
The strikes came just days after a series of deadly assaults on Pakistani security forces in the north‑west. A large‑scale attack on a police compound in Kohat left at least 21 dead and over 100 injured; a follow‑up strike in Hangu killed six more security personnel.
Pakistani authorities have linked these attacks to groups they say are based across the Afghan border, with the TTP being the prime suspect, though no group has formally claimed responsibility for the Kohat incident.
Afghan Taliban condemns the raids
Kabul’s Taliban government denounced the airstrikes as violations of Afghan sovereignty and warned of a response. Spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid called the attacks “unacceptable” and reiterated that the reported victims were civilians.
Afghan officials also rejected Pakistan’s narrative about the nature of the targets, insisting that Afghanistan does not permit any group to use its territory for attacks against a neighbour.
The TTP dispute remains a flashpoint
The TTP continues to be a central point of contention. Pakistan views the group as a major security threat and repeatedly accuses the Afghan Taliban of providing it sanctuary. Kabul, in turn, denies any such cooperation and stresses that its land will not serve as a launchpad for cross‑border attacks.
Border friction adds complexity
The latest airstrikes occur against a backdrop of long‑standing disputes along the Durand Line. Both nations have exchanged fire in the past and accuse each other of breaching security arrangements.
These border tensions, combined with the recent strikes, risk further destabilising an already fragile relationship, even as regional powers urge dialogue.
Regional mediation efforts
Countries such as China, Qatar and Turkey have been active in diplomatic initiatives aimed at de‑escalating Pakistan‑Afghanistan frictions. Despite recurring military incidents, diplomatic channels remain the preferred avenue for conflict resolution.
Outlook
The Monday airstrikes have thrust the issue back into the spotlight. While Pakistan frames the operation as a necessary strike against militants, Afghanistan highlights the civilian toll and calls the raids illegal.
The coming days will reveal whether the incidents trigger a broader exchange of fire or whether diplomatic engagement can curb further escalation.
