Kabul. Afghan officials said that at least three people lost their lives and several others were wounded after airstrikes hit residential areas, whereas Pakistan maintained the raids were aimed at suspected militant hideouts. Independent verification of the conflicting accounts is still pending.
Details of the strikes
Afghan authorities reported that the primary attack occurred in the Nurgal district of Kunar province just after 3 a.m. local time. A civilian house was struck, killing three individuals and injuring a number of neighbours. The victims have been identified as non‑combatants, and the building suffered extensive damage.
Pakistan is also said to have conducted sorties over the Barmal district of neighboring Paktika province. Afghan sources noted that two sites – a shop and an empty house – were hit, but no casualties were reported there.
Pakistan’s claim of targeting militants
Pakistani security officials asserted that the airstrikes were directed at hideouts linked to the Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad alleges that the TTP uses Afghan soil as a sanctuary for planning attacks against Pakistan.
According to Pakistani statements, the operation eliminated 28 suspected militants. Afghan officials, however, countered that the Kunar attack resulted in three civilian deaths and multiple injuries, highlighting the stark disparity between the two narratives.
Backdrop of recent violence in Pakistan
The strikes came on the heels of deadly assaults on Pakistani security forces in its north‑western regions. A major assault on a police compound in Kohat left more than 20 people dead and over a hundred injured. The following day, an attack in Hangu killed six security personnel.
Pakistani authorities have linked these incidents to militant groups they say operate from Afghan territory, although no organization has formally claimed responsibility for the Kohat bombing. In response, Islamabad warned that it could target militant positions inside Afghanistan if Kabul does not take "credible and verifiable" action.
Kabul’s reaction
The Taliban‑run government in Afghanistan condemned the airstrikes as a violation of sovereignty and warned of a possible response. Spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid described the strikes as unacceptable and emphasized that the reported victims were civilians.
Kabul reiterated that it does not permit any group to use Afghan soil as a launchpad for attacks against Pakistan, arguing that Pakistan’s internal security challenges should be addressed through dialogue rather than cross‑border military action.
The TTP question
The Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan remains a flashpoint in Islamabad‑Kabul relations. Pakistan views the TTP as a primary security threat and repeatedly accuses the Afghan Taliban of providing it safe haven. The Afghan side denies any such support, stressing that its territory will not be used to target a neighbouring state.
Although the Afghan Taliban and the TTP are distinct entities, they share ideological roots, and Pakistan’s accusations have strained bilateral ties considerably.
Border disputes and regional dynamics
These airstrikes unfold against a broader backdrop of border friction. The Durand Line continues to be a source of contention, with Afghanistan disputing Pakistan’s claim to the demarcation while Islamabad treats it as the official frontier.
Recent cross‑border incidents have added another layer of complexity to already fragile relations, prompting regional powers such as China, Qatar and Turkey to push for diplomatic engagement.
Outlook
Both governments now face the challenge of preventing further escalation. While Islamabad insists on striking what it calls militant sanctuaries, Kabul warns against any breach of its sovereignty. The coming days will reveal whether diplomatic channels can defuse the tension or whether the border will see renewed hostilities.
