Kabul, June 10, 2026: Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have intensified once again after Afghanistan accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in its eastern provinces, allegedly killing 13 civilians and injuring 14 others.
According to Afghanistan’s chief government spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, the alleged airstrikes struck the provinces of Khost Province, Kunar Province, and Paktika Province during the night. Afghan authorities claim that those killed included 11 children, one woman, and one elderly man, while 14 women and children were wounded in the attacks.
In a statement, Mujahid condemned the strikes as a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and international law, alleging that Pakistani military aircraft crossed into Afghan airspace and targeted civilian homes. Afghan officials described the incident as a serious act of aggression and called for international attention to the reported civilian casualties.
Pakistan had not immediately commented on Afghanistan’s allegations. However, Pakistani officials later said security forces had conducted operations against militant hideouts along the Afghan border, claiming that 26 militants were killed. Islamabad has long accused Afghanistan of harboring militants linked to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a charge that Kabul has repeatedly denied.
The reported airstrikes came a day after suspected TTP militants attacked a security post in the Hasan Khel area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, near the Afghan border. According to Pakistan’s Interior Ministry, six personnel from the Federal Constabulary were killed and several others injured in the assault. Pakistani security forces said they later killed eight attackers during a counter-operation.
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have remained strained in recent months amid recurring cross-border violence and mutual accusations of supporting militant groups. Previous clashes and airstrikes have further complicated diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions between the two neighboring countries.
The latest incident is expected to increase pressure on both governments to prevent further escalation along their shared border, as regional observers closely watch Islamabad’s official response and developments on the ground.
