10 Killed, Including Women and Children, in Pakistani Airstrikes on Afghanistan

Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that the bombs were dropped on the home of local resident Waliat Khan, killing five boys and four girls, along with a woman. The house was completely destroyed.

Mujahid also claimed that additional airstrikes were carried out in eastern Paktika and northeastern Kunar provinces the same night, injuring at least four civilians. Pakistan has not yet commented on these incidents.

Later on Tuesday, Mujahid said that Afghanistan would respond in due course and called the attacks a direct violation of the country’s airspace and sovereignty.

The latest incidents have created a new deadlock in talks between the two countries, and analysts warn that these strikes could escalate hostilities further. On Monday, a suicide attack at the headquarters of Pakistan’s Federal Constabulary in Peshawar killed multiple people. Pakistan claims the attackers were Afghan nationals. State television PTV made a similar claim.

Earlier this month, another suicide attack in Islamabad killed 12, allegedly directed by the leadership of Afghan-based Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, Pakistan–Afghanistan relations have been unstable. Although a temporary ceasefire was mediated by Qatar and Turkey after clashes in October that killed nearly 70 people on both sides, a permanent solution has not been reached.

Pakistan alleges that TTP and other armed groups are using Afghan territory as a safe haven, while Afghanistan claims that Pakistan is providing shelter to insurgent groups, destabilizing its internal security. The renewed tension along the border has raised fears of further violence, posing a significant threat to regional stability.