Pakistani airstrikes kill 13 civilians in Afghanistan

At least 13 civilians, including 11 children, were killed in overnight airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan that Taliban authorities have attributed to Pakistan. The attacks, which occurred in the provinces of Kunar, Khost, and Paktika, also injured at least 14 others, according to a statement from Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid.

Mujahid stated that Pakistani forces violated Afghan airspace and bombed civilian homes during the night between Tuesday and Wednesday. He condemned the strikes as a humanitarian crime and an act of aggression. Pakistan has not officially commented on or acknowledged the reported military operation. However, unnamed Pakistani security officials told Reuters that the strikes targeted hideouts and facilities allegedly used by Pakistani militant groups operating from Afghan territory.

The incident marks a significant escalation along a volatile border and threatens a fragile ceasefire brokered in March following intense cross-border clashes earlier this year. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, primarily over the issue of cross-border militancy. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the...