Dozens of people, including women and children, were killed after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan’s border provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika. Afghan authorities accused Pakistan of targeting civilian areas, with reports suggesting that at least 17 members of a single family were among the victims.
Afghanistan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the strikes, calling them crimes against civilians. Afghan media, including TOLOnews, reported that entire families were buried under rubble following the bombings.
However, Pakistan defended the operation, saying it carried out intelligence-based strikes against terrorist hideouts linked to Tehreek‑e‑Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State affiliates. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the strikes targeted seven militant camps in response to recent deadly attacks inside Pakistan.
The incident has sharply increased tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with both sides blaming each other for cross-border terrorism and instability.
