Pakistan conducted overnight air attacks inside Afghanistan, with the Taliban responding by firing across the border. Tensions escalated on Monday between Islamabad and Kabul after the raids targeted armed groups in border regions. The Taliban claimed that eight women and children were killed in the attack.
In response, Afghanistan’s defence ministry reported firing back at Pakistan positions, while Pakistan has not yet commented on the claim. The Afghan interim government condemned the attacks, stating that the targets were “ordinary people” in Paktika and Khost provinces.
Tensions have been high between Pakistan and Afghanistan since the Taliban took power in 2021. Pakistan alleges that hostile armed groups launch attacks from across the border, while Afghanistan reported previous air strikes killing civilians in the east. The recent strike may be linked to a suicide attack by a new group led by a Pakistani Taliban faction leader.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister reiterated that terrorist attacks against Pakistan originate from Afghan soil, a claim the Afghan Taliban denies. The region has seen numerous attacks by various armed groups, with the TTP being Pakistan’s main adversary. Pakistan’s air strikes on Monday are seen as a response to recent violence.
Experts warn that without diplomatic efforts, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan could escalate further in the coming weeks. The situation is closely monitored due to the history of conflict in the region.