Pakistan launched new airstrikes on Afghanistan early Wednesday, marking an escalation after a month-long pause. The strikes targeted the eastern provinces of Khost, Kunar, and Paktika. Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that the airstrikes killed 13 individuals, including 11 children, a woman, and an older man. An additional 14 civilians were injured.
Pakistan confirmed the strikes, reporting they aimed at militant hideouts and infrastructure linked to recent attacks in Pakistan. They claimed 26 militants were killed. Typically, both nations report differing casualty figures.
Since February, intense fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan has killed hundreds. The conflict intensified when Afghanistan retaliated for Pakistani airstrikes. International peace talks have not achieved a lasting agreement. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of sheltering militants, including the Pakistani Taliban (TTP). Kabul denies these accusations.
In Khost, multiple funerals were held for the airstrike victims. Mourners included Talib Gul, who lost family members. “In my uncle’s family, only two daughters survived,” said Gul. Another strike damaged Gul’s brother’s house.
In my uncle’s family, only two of his daughters survived. The rest of his entire family was martyred.– Talib Gul
Afghanistan’s foreign ministry criticized Pakistan, accusing it of violating Afghan airspace and harming civilians. Pakistan’s information minister, Attaullah Tarar, stated on X that strikes destroyed militant infrastructure in border regions, countering alleged threats from the Pakistani Taliban.
Pakistan dismissed Afghan claims of civilian casualties, calling them propaganda by the Afghan Taliban. The strikes followed a gunfight initiated by suspected Pakistani Taliban militants in Pakistan’s Hasan Khel area, where six security personnel died. Local authorities reported killing eight attackers.
The border remained calm hours after the strikes, a contrast to past retaliatory attacks by Afghanistan. Fighting led to a border closure in October, hindering trade and isolating thousands.
Pakistan declared open war in February amid rising militant attacks. In March, Afghanistan accused Pakistan of an airstrike on a Kabul drug treatment center, causing over 400 deaths. Pakistan denied targeting civilians.
China hosted dialogue between the two countries earlier, seeking a peaceful resolution. However, fighting persisted. Islamabad-based analyst Masood Khan emphasized enforcing Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada’s decree for the TTP to cease attacks.
The prolonged closure of the border has disrupted trade and affected many people, highlighting the need for peace.
**Reported by Ahmed from Islamabad. Contribution by Elena Becatoros in Athens, Greece.**