Cross-border tensions have escalated significantly after Pakistan carried out air strikes inside Afghanistan, claiming to have targeted “camps and hideouts” belonging to armed groups and killed roughly 22 fighters.
The statement released on Thursday by Pakistan’s Ministry of Information came as Afghan officials accused Islamabad of killing at least nine women and children in strikes across Kunar and Helmand provinces, reports Al Jazeera.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for Afghanistan’s government, stated that the aerial bombardments occurred late on Wednesday, leaving at least nine people dead and 11 others wounded.
Writing on social media platform X, Mujahid noted that three homes were destroyed across northeastern Kunar and southern Helmand. Mujahid condemned the action, describing it as an act of aggression and a violation of all accepted international principles.
Al Jazeera reported that it was unable to independently verify the casualty figures presented by either country.
The recent military action represents a renewal of heavy fighting between the neighbouring states following a three-month period of relative calm.
Islamabad continues to accuse Kabul of harbouring militant networks, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, which execute cross-border attacks inside Pakistani territory. However, the Afghan administration rejected the allegations, maintaining that Pakistani strikes focus on civilian residences, causing casualties among women and children.
